For pure track day performance, the ideal blend is reduced
weight and an increased amount of sensory data available to the driver. One
would be hard pressed to find a package where Colin Chapman’s mantra of “simplify,
then add lightness” is put into action more so than in an Ariel Atom. Rather
than starting with a car where you must remove bits to achieve light weight and
balance, the Atom starts from the ground up adding only the bits that are
absolutely needed for performance and safety. It’s an intoxicating formula, to
be sure.
I recently had an opportunity to drive an Atom on track,
courtesy of TMI AutoTech located at Virginia International Raceway (Alton, VA,
USA). It is a pretty good bet that no one in the US knows more about Atoms as TMI
is the exclusive North American manufacturer of the car. In addition to
building these cars from the ground up (including fabrication of the chassis),
TMI also provides track day experiences and operates the VIR-based Spec Race
Atom racing series (watch the pages of Race Tech for an upcoming feature).
TMI’s Driving Experience begins with an introductory
classroom session to ensure that all participants are familiar with the basics
of driving on track and are aware of the marshal’s flags. After a brief
overview of the day’s events, the group is led outside to the paddock to
inspect their Atom. Upon meeting blue #05, my ride for the day, I was struck by
the fact that there is nothing on this car that is not absolutely necessary
(the only exception being the passenger seat, as I’d be solo today). From the
suspension and brake system to the entirely visible Honda 2.4 liter engine (the
same on found in the Civic Type R), it’s all there for your eyes to feast on.
After becoming familiar with the car, it’s finally time to
mount up and prepare to take the track. Step over the side tube frame and then
lower yourself into the driver seat. From your new vantage point, you realize
how much you can see. In addition to the instrument pod, steering wheel, fire
bottle and gear shift, the rest of your view is filled with front wheels and
suspension. Behind your head is a very reassuring roll hoop and the intake box
for the Honda engine. That’s it…just you and all the bits you need to go fast.
The first session out behind the pace car is meant to
familiarize drivers new to the Atom with the basics of the car’s dynamics. On
this day, we were on VIR’s South Course, a short 1.65 miles of twisty bits and
elevation change which will prove to offer both technical segments as well as
short straights for a quick blast of speed.
The second session out starts behind the pace, but on each subsequent
lap the next driver in line is given a point-by around the pace for open track.
After a lunch debrief of the morning’s experiences, participants have two more
sessions, this time without a pace car.
TMI offers extra value to its participants by placing
experienced instructors around the track as observers. Between sessions and
during lunch, these observers provide feedback on your braking zones and improvements
to the driving line. Throughout the day, you find yourself realizing another
tenth in your driving performance thanks to these sessions.
So, what is the Atom like as a track car? The experience is
like none other that I’ve driven. The scale of the car is more sports car than
open wheeler, but it delivers the precision and sensory experience of a formula
car. With a total weight of just over 1,300 pounds (612 kg), the 2.4L engine
propels it to 60mph in 2.9 seconds. Brakes
are solid and predictable, though you do learn the importance of having the car
properly balanced before going into a turn in order to prevent lockup. The
6-speed gearbox (also sourced from Honda) is smooth and precise with short
throws on the shifter and a readily accessible power band. You quickly learn
that the car has loads of torque which makes many downshifts on the tight
circuit unnecessary.
The Ariel Atom is a very fun car on track and, in the hands
of someone able to wring a few more tenths of performance from it than I was,
it is a very well-balanced and fast racer. With the wave of the checker flag
signaling the end of my day with #05, I was left with just one burning
question….when can I do this again?
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