Their form from Sebring wasn’t a “flash in the pan” – the Viper is back and back on the pace with Dominik Farnbacher scoring the GT pole at Long Beach.

In the early days of the ALMS and global GT competition the Viper was the car to have – everything old is now new again.

The previous Viper factory effort in the ALMS in 1999-2000 earned back-to-back GTS class championships and 16 victories out of 20 races

Farnbacher scored the pole today for the SRT squad while teammate Jonathan Bomarito put the sister car in third.

“One year ago the car didn’t exist,” Farnbacher said.

“So it was still in the minds of the CEOs. Last year we tried to get the baseline set, and be reliable. In Sebring it was the first time we drove really hard. It showed the car was there.

“Now in the second race we’re at the top of the grid. My lap was really really good. We set the car for the fourth or fifth lap and that’s where the tires were good.

“Look at the field, we’re within a few tenths, it shows how world class the GT class is in ALMS.

“It means a lot to get this pole for Viper and SRT. I’m trying to sort it in my head still. It means a lot to all of us.

“It’s great getting out of the car and seeing everyone in the pits smiling at you. It’s one of the things you dream about when you’re a little kid. The car will be really strong tomorrow. The fans can count on a strong Viper. It will come down to strategy at half time with the pit stop. Then we’ll see how we can get a good run out of the pit.”