PISTONFEST !! 1/4 MILE FLYER FOR ATOM

[display2u]

Hi All, I have now had the official offer to compete in the Pistonfest 1/4 mile competition. Is anyone going? I really could do with the support of some fellow atom owners. Let me know asap, as its this weekend. Mark

[Bruce Fielding]

Really sorry Mark and guys, but I'm wimping out of this Sunday - personal reasons (haven't seen much of my wife lately due to business trips), plus I have a track day at Donny on Monday, then I have to come back to London, and then back up to Birmingham on business on Tuesday, so three trips north in three days would be a bit much.

Enjoy the day - get lots of pics and footage. It was great last year and I'm sure this year will be even better!

[ross.mcw]

Undecided as yet Mark, but I'll let you know if we're coming.

Cheers, Ross.

PS. what day are you doing your 1/4 mile run?

>> Edited by ross.mcw on Thursday 1st July 18:17

[PetrolTed]

2 trial runs on Saturday and then the final on Sunday.

Please note the ticketing arrangements though.

[display2u]

Ross, looks like I can only make Sunday. It would be good to see you there. Mark

[ross.mcw]

It'll be the Sunday if anything but it'll be a last minute decision I suspect. If we do come along I've got your mobile though.

Cheers, Ross.

[Bruce Fielding]

So... did any of us go, then?

[PetrolTed]

no

[display2u]

Sorry Ted ! The weather put me off, and there was no way I was going to risk my car down the strip with the rain that was forecast, 460 kg's and torrential rain do not mix very well. I'd rather live to fight another day. I hope you understand.

[ianvb]

talking of torrential rain, picked up my Atom 2 on Saturday, have since done 530 miles ( used it Saturday, Sunday, Monday & Tuesday) & have been soaked 3 times. Can't recommend it through large puddles but

a) its a real hoot to drive
b) its quick for sure - although I am taking it easy so far
c) 1st track day on Friday - hopefully that won't be the 4th soaking!

[Bruce Fielding]

Come on Ted - don't be greedy - you had a huge great crowd there from the look of things (and don't forget you had one Atom there last year Maybe we'll get an Atom Owners club outing together next year...

So Mark - still not had an opportunity to test out the new setup... See you at Goodwood?

Sounds like Ian's a true Atom Owner - three soakings and still up for a trackday all in one week! Where are you going to be on Friday Ian? I assume Donnington with RMA ... hmmm... tempting except twice in one week would be greedy!!

[ross.mcw]

Great to hear you've got yours now Ian, how do you think it compares to your Noble (I think you had a Noble)

What spec did you go for?

Cheers, Ross.



>> Edited by ross.mcw on Wednesday 7th July 19:01

[PetrolTed]

Drag strips don't run in the rain.

It was just a bit frustrating as I'd had people very keen to do it in the week running up to the event, dished out tickets to them and then come the day they hadn't turned up. I had to run around and get volunteers instead. Instead of having five very varied cars for the first session we had two TVRs. Wasn't a good show

All history now but a lesson learned...

[display2u]

I really pushed simon and the boys at the factory to get all my upgrade parts fitted so that it would be ready in time for Pistonfest, even trailored it down and stayed overnight so that I would be back in time.Still thats life ,ain't it !
I wouldn't have believed a set of wheels would make so much difference to the performance of a car, its like having an 80 hp ,the pick up is fantastic, you must have a drive bruce,but unfortunately not at Goodwood, my next one is at Castle coombe.

[atom290]

When is Combe?

I cant make Goodwood, as the car wont be finished, but I have to say I prefer Combe and it is closure to me

[Bruce Fielding]

I'll do Coombe... when?

[display2u]

A few weeks to go yet, its in August.

[ianvb]

Ross - comparison to Noble - its a bit early to say, but its certainly quicker, more like a caterham which is always going to be more fun than the Noble

spec was basically for track use, altho its road registered:-

220 6 speed Atom 2
Road Pack
LSD
Baffled Sump
Competition discs rear
Alcon 4 pot calipers/290 discs front
Bilstein adj bounce and rebound dampers
Competition rod ends
Removeable Steering Wheel
Stainless silencer, manifold & cat by pass pipe
16" wheel package and Dunlop Formula R track tyres
Locking fuel cap
Seat coating
Alum gear knob and grip
2 x 3" FIA Belts

so far I've only driven it on the soft settings - will be interested to see what its like on the hardest!

[ross.mcw]

Ok, very similar to what I've been looking at (for months now it seems...)

You'll find it's a lot stiffer when you stiffen it up....see I'm full of useful advice.

Cheers, Ross.