Are single-seater, open-wheeled cars allowed at track days?

[gtwilliams]

I've recently been told that single-seater, open-wheeled cars aren't allowed at track days. Is this really the case? If so, I'm a little confused.

The Ariel Atom is open-wheeled, Caterham's have an open-wheeled arrangement up front, and the BAC Mono is basically a Formula Ford with fancy bodywork. I can't imagine these examples are turned away too swiftly.

Is the difference here that they're road legal? Could somebody clarify the ruling or perhaps point me in the directly of the official legislation, please?

[Poppiecock]

gtwilliams said:

I've recently been told that single-seater, open-wheeled cars aren't allowed at track days. Is this really the case? If so, I'm a little confused.

The Ariel Atom is open-wheeled, Caterham's have an open-wheeled arrangement up front, and the BAC Mono is basically a Formula Ford with fancy bodywork. I can't imagine these examples are turned away too swiftly.

Is the difference here that they're road legal? Could somebody clarify the ruling or perhaps point me in the directly of the official legislation, please?

An Atom or Caterham isn't open wheeled.

There is no legislation, track day organisers can choose which cars to allow.

True open wheeled cars are dangerous as they can catapult each other into the air in the event of a coming together.

Some organisers disallow cars with true aero, as you have to be driving significantly quicker than non-aero cars to make the aero work and speed differentials become silly, especially in corners.

[mmm-five]

They're only 'open-wheeled' if there's no covers over the wheels - like a formula single seater.

I think you'll find that Atoms Caterhams and BACs have guards.

[CrutyRammers]

it is the case, yes. Caterhams etc and anything road-legal do have wings covering the wheels, albeit small ones. I don't think you'll find any official legislation because it's just a rule the TDOs impose. Bit yeah, it's test days for open wheeled single seat stuff, for which you need a race licence.

[gtwilliams]

Poppiecock said:

An Atom or Caterham isn't open wheeled.

There is no legislation, track day organisers can choose which cars to allow.

True open wheeled cars are dangerous as they can catapult each other into the air in the event of a coming together.

Some organisers disallow cars with true aero, as you have to be driving significantly quicker than non-aero cars to make the aero work and speed differentials become silly, especially in corners.

Surely an Atom is open-wheeled?

"An open-wheel car (formula car, or often single-seater car in British English) is a car with the wheels outside the car's main body, and usually having only one seat."

The wheels are outside the car's main body, are they not? Or, do the mudguards negate this?

I appreciate the issues with vehicles that feature active aero. That's understandable.

[gtwilliams]

mmm-five said:

They're only 'open-wheeled' if there's no covers over the wheels - like a formula single seater.

I think you'll find that Atoms Caterhams and BACs have guards.

Ah, I see! A very subtle difference!

[gtwilliams]

gtwilliams said:

Surely an Atom is open-wheeled?

"An open-wheel car (formula car, or often single-seater car in British English) is a car with the wheels outside the car's main body, and usually having only one seat."

The wheels are outside the car's main body, are they not? Or, do the mudguards negate this?

I appreciate the issues with vehicles that feature active aero. That's understandable.

Okay, I've got it now. It does indeed seem that a minuscule guard is the major differentiator here. Cheers.

[gtwilliams]

Thank you for the clarification.