Ariel Atom @ Taupo
Discussion
[b]Message on behalf of Maurice O'Reilly[/b]
[Quote=Maurice]I have been offered the opportunity to run a 'Track Day' at Taupo for those interested in driving an Ariel Atom.
Some of you will have seen these cars on 'Top Gear' and a few of you will have driven one with me in Tauranga last weekend. I can assure you they are a sensational performance experience.
It is an astonishing car. 'Feral' is the best word to describe it. Vicious, untamed and unsophisticated.
It outperforms anything else on the road and can keep pace accelerating with big superbikes ...
0 - 100kph in 2.9 seconds or, if you prefer ... 0 - 160 - 0 in 10.8 sec.
It reminds me of the Formula Atlantic car I used to race - similar weight and power. On the road this is astonishing.
[url]Ariel Atom|http://www.arielmotor.co.uk[/url]
The Australasian Importer will provide a couple of cars and I will be on hand to undertake some instruction if required - as well as to make sure no-one gets out onto the road and is never seen again. (He intends to make me swallow a locator beacon because I am the prime suspect if one goes missing)
The good thing about a track day - no cops !
Normally they charge $249 per person to cover expenses including car transportation, track hire, etc but if we have enough people they can do it for less.
The tentative day booked is Tuesday 1st November.
If you are interested please send me back a message. If you have a friend who may wish to join us please send the message on.
Cheers
Maurice[/quote]
I'm trying to get the day off work to go down with a mate. Not sure about posting Maurice's e-mail address yet so just let me know if you're interested.
:driving: :driving: :driving:
[Quote=Maurice]I have been offered the opportunity to run a 'Track Day' at Taupo for those interested in driving an Ariel Atom.
Some of you will have seen these cars on 'Top Gear' and a few of you will have driven one with me in Tauranga last weekend. I can assure you they are a sensational performance experience.
It is an astonishing car. 'Feral' is the best word to describe it. Vicious, untamed and unsophisticated.
It outperforms anything else on the road and can keep pace accelerating with big superbikes ...
0 - 100kph in 2.9 seconds or, if you prefer ... 0 - 160 - 0 in 10.8 sec.
It reminds me of the Formula Atlantic car I used to race - similar weight and power. On the road this is astonishing.
[url]Ariel Atom|http://www.arielmotor.co.uk[/url]
The Australasian Importer will provide a couple of cars and I will be on hand to undertake some instruction if required - as well as to make sure no-one gets out onto the road and is never seen again. (He intends to make me swallow a locator beacon because I am the prime suspect if one goes missing)
The good thing about a track day - no cops !
Normally they charge $249 per person to cover expenses including car transportation, track hire, etc but if we have enough people they can do it for less.
The tentative day booked is Tuesday 1st November.
If you are interested please send me back a message. If you have a friend who may wish to join us please send the message on.
Cheers
Maurice[/quote]
I'm trying to get the day off work to go down with a mate. Not sure about posting Maurice's e-mail address yet so just let me know if you're interested.
:driving: :driving: :driving:
Maurice O'Reilly said:I'm going
I promised to advise final details of the proposed Taupo Track day where you and friends can experience an Ariel Atom.
It appears that there will be enough participants to make the day viable but I would like you to again reply to me confirming that you will definitely be there.
Obviously there are substantial costs in hiring the Taupo Circuit, transporting the Atom from Auckland, providing morning, afternoon teas and lunch, etc. The day will have an all inclusive cost of $260 per participant.
You are encouraged to also drive your own cars on the circuit. Instructors will be available if you wish to use their services or you can simply circulate at your own pace. Following the theory we will also ask everyone to take their cars out onto the track for a couple of laps of 'follow the leader' to demonstrate idea lines in the corners.
Friends and spectators are welcome.
We are operating under the training licence of Chris McCormack from Driver Training NZ. Chris will be the ultimate boss on the day. (But as usual will take orders from me!)
Directions to the circuit are :
From "Woolworths" at the Northern end of Taupo main street (Highway 1) turn at the roundabout into Spa Road. Proceed approximately 2 km to the 'T' junction. This is the corner of Centenial Drive and Broadlands Road. The track entrance is a gate off Centenial Drive. Follow the road into the Clubhouse and park anywhere convenient behind the building. Walk up the left side of the building and introduce yourself to anyone who will direct you to one of the organisers.
The final program details are as follows.
Tuesday November 1
9.30am
Arrive at Centennial Park Raceway, Corner Broadlands Road & Centenial Drive.
Morning tea provided while you register, sign the indemnity form and pay for your share of the day.
Payment by Cash, Bank Cheque on the day or prior by directly crediting our Bank Account at BNZ Cameron Rd Tauranga. A/c No 02-0466-0102324-000
10.00am
Theory briefing - about 15 minutes - basics, lines, braking, smoothness, balance, etc
Plus questions.
Follow the leader familiarisation laps in road cars.
10.30am
Commence laps in Ariel Atom - with instructor. Number of laps will depend on time available.
Between Atom laps the rest of the participants are welcome to use the circuit with their own car.
Passengers will be allowed if indemnity is signed.
Tutoring available by experienced race competitors during this period.
12.30pm
Lunch
1.00pm
Further laps alone in the Atom (with care). Number of laps will depend on time available.
Between Atom laps the rest of the participants are welcome to use the circuit with their own car.
Tutoring available during this period.
3.00pm +
Afternoon Tea
4.00pm
Home
Protective Clothing
Participants are encouraged to bring and wear race overalls and crash helmets during the day when driving their own vehicles on the circuit. If you have no race overalls don't worry - wear long sleeved and long legged wool or cotton clothing. Cotton mechanics overalls are also good. Comfortable shoes suitable for driving.
During your time in the Atom you will need a full face helmet if you wish to avoid eating a lot of bugs. Bring your own if you have one. We will have some for those who do not. You will also need warm clothing. Again race overalls are good but add a jacket over them.
Weather
If the weather is wet the day will probably proceed as scheduled. If the forecast appears likely to be too dangerous we will cancel and let you know. If the day deteriorates as we play a decision will be made based on the risk of damaging vehicles and drivers. Given the possibility of dampness I recommend you bring some wet weather gear. Notwithstanding this possibility we have ordered perfect weather.
Rules
There will be as few rules as possible so long as everyone is sensible. We're out for a good fun day.
As is normal practice at a race circuit all participants must sign a form accepting liability for damage and indemnifying the organisers from any claims.
The Atom will circulate the track alone - when the Atom is in the pits other vehicles can share the track.
It is a race track and we will be experiencing a high performance vehicle so spirited driving is expected. However, the car is needed to be on display the following Saturday at Pukekohe so we would appreciate some respect for it. You can be assured of getting a good buzz without destroying it.
No pets, politicians must be on a leash.
Bring a joke. No afternoon tea until you tell it.
Please reply to this message re-confirming your attendance or send me any questions you may have.
Cheers
Maurice
P.S. Please pass on to other who may be interested - but tell them to contact me quick as we need to confirm numbers for catering etc.
. . . trying to sort the trailer at the moment. If anyone else wants Maurice's contact details please let me know.
Dont wonder, make the dream real!
Heh wish i could, atom on trademe, $50K:
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Specialist-cars/Competition-cars/auction-31305964.htm
Decent price realy.
Heh wish i could, atom on trademe, $50K:
www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Specialist-cars/Competition-cars/auction-31305964.htm
Decent price realy.
chevtrev said:
I take it this the new supercharged Vtec joby?
If it's the same car thats been out at Pukekohe taking people arround in the last couple of months,well, not wanting to piss on the campfire,it was'nt exactly lively.
I believe it's a V-tec . . . and I think it's an Atom 2 (220) rather than the 160? 180?
Either way I'll let you know when I get back next Thursday.
A lot of "fun" trackday cars struggle a bit at Pukekohe. That back straight is a killer for light-weight / moderate-power cars that are good through the tight stuff.
Anyway it beats a day at work
Esprit said:
In either that's FECKING quick! Consider an NZV8 touring car only does about 45-46 (ok so they're not the fastest but still NZ's most popular race series)
Well,you would'nt call it exactly a user friendly V8 track would you.
The quick Fraser's are doing it in high 41's low 42's on dot rubber,so 41.2 is doing good if thats the first time.
What a waste of a fantastic track machine, polishing it every weekend,RACE THE FECKIN THING
Sorry, the 41.2s is complete bo11ocks. I plucked the figure out of mid-air (after looking at the 250cc kart times in the clubrooms).
The Atom 2 was a 225 bhp V-tec, rather than the top-spec 300 bhp supercharged model.
It was quite fun, and different, but not set-up properly. The set-up might be OK for moderate road driving but it understeered badly on the track. I think this would be fixable (a bit like some of the Elise's) with the right expertise.
Other annoying issues were little things like no shift-light ???
The gear change didn't have a good action.
It may possibly be a better compromise for the road for some people, but give me an XTR2 any day.
The 2 instructors on the day jumped in the XTR2 for several runs and came back very impressed and grinning from ear to ear.
As for times, timing was banned on the day. At the request of the Atom owner there was also a line of cones through the centre of the Esses to make them tighter and reduce speed
The track extension seems to be coming along well. Large yellow earthmovers just off the end of the straight are quite distracting.
The Westie was fantastic through the tight stuff and I believe it would (with a remotely decent driver) easily beat the Atom. I should have added that the other cars were only allowed out while the Atom was in the Pits for driver changes.
Pukekohe with its back-straight would be a different story.
If they get the handling sorted I'd be keen to try the Atom again.
The Atom 2 was a 225 bhp V-tec, rather than the top-spec 300 bhp supercharged model.
It was quite fun, and different, but not set-up properly. The set-up might be OK for moderate road driving but it understeered badly on the track. I think this would be fixable (a bit like some of the Elise's) with the right expertise.
Other annoying issues were little things like no shift-light ???
The gear change didn't have a good action.
It may possibly be a better compromise for the road for some people, but give me an XTR2 any day.
The 2 instructors on the day jumped in the XTR2 for several runs and came back very impressed and grinning from ear to ear.
As for times, timing was banned on the day. At the request of the Atom owner there was also a line of cones through the centre of the Esses to make them tighter and reduce speed
The track extension seems to be coming along well. Large yellow earthmovers just off the end of the straight are quite distracting.
The Westie was fantastic through the tight stuff and I believe it would (with a remotely decent driver) easily beat the Atom. I should have added that the other cars were only allowed out while the Atom was in the Pits for driver changes.
Pukekohe with its back-straight would be a different story.
If they get the handling sorted I'd be keen to try the Atom again.
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