Early Atoms information request?
Discussion
Here's the scene.
I would love to extend to a few more track days next year but on a relatively tight budget. The idea of something intended for sporting use seems to make sense in the fun/expense trade off against running costs.
One upside of an 'open wheel' machine is the ability to move around it in a 'modern' size garage.
I don't have anywhere for a trailer so it will need to be road legal. Fortunately I live quite close to a couple of regularly used circuits with a few more just around a 1 hour drive away.
I guess for any open vehicle I would need a good set of waterproof clothing to avoid the risk of getting completely soaked regularly. If taking passengers I suppose 2 sets of w/proofs (or more?) would be desirable. Likewise full face helmet(s) (I have open face with 'full' visor for my tin top days.)
I have only done a couple of track days so far so I am by no means an expert and I suspect that the hugely attractive 220's or above are something it might be smart to avoid for a while. That said I am guessing that leaves only the older spec lesser engined cars to consider. At least they would be in line with the budget!
Would that be a sensible way to go or would I be better off going for a relatively cheap Caterfield for a season before considering an Atom upgrade irrespective of the spec.?
I would love to extend to a few more track days next year but on a relatively tight budget. The idea of something intended for sporting use seems to make sense in the fun/expense trade off against running costs.
One upside of an 'open wheel' machine is the ability to move around it in a 'modern' size garage.
I don't have anywhere for a trailer so it will need to be road legal. Fortunately I live quite close to a couple of regularly used circuits with a few more just around a 1 hour drive away.
I guess for any open vehicle I would need a good set of waterproof clothing to avoid the risk of getting completely soaked regularly. If taking passengers I suppose 2 sets of w/proofs (or more?) would be desirable. Likewise full face helmet(s) (I have open face with 'full' visor for my tin top days.)
I have only done a couple of track days so far so I am by no means an expert and I suspect that the hugely attractive 220's or above are something it might be smart to avoid for a while. That said I am guessing that leaves only the older spec lesser engined cars to consider. At least they would be in line with the budget!
Would that be a sensible way to go or would I be better off going for a relatively cheap Caterfield for a season before considering an Atom upgrade irrespective of the spec.?
There don't seem to be that many owners willing to part with their older Atoms (upside is that residuals are very good). However, why not consider the Mk2 160 with the less tuned Honda? These start new at around £19k and frankly you'd be looking at only a couple of grand less than that for a Mk1. You get all the handling and jaw-dropping good looks, and the latest chassis and mechanicals, but for a lot less cash. Plus it's a great machine to learn on.
Given the high resale opportunity on Atoms, I would think carefully before going for the caterfield option. If you've got the cash, my (biased) opinion is to go for the basic Atom and take it from there.
As to sensible clothing - I wear a race suit with fireproof underwear which is warm enough for most days especially when teamed with a wind and waterproof outer biking one piece. You can hire helmets at most trackdays, so don't worry about getting them for occasional guests. And most guests won't want to go out with you in the rain, so one set should be fine ;-)
Atom's are a little wider than the average caterfield, so it's worth measuring up for your garage.
Summary: test drive a 160 and see what you think. Simon or Tom are always happy to take people out for a jaunt around the Taunton roads.
Given the high resale opportunity on Atoms, I would think carefully before going for the caterfield option. If you've got the cash, my (biased) opinion is to go for the basic Atom and take it from there.
As to sensible clothing - I wear a race suit with fireproof underwear which is warm enough for most days especially when teamed with a wind and waterproof outer biking one piece. You can hire helmets at most trackdays, so don't worry about getting them for occasional guests. And most guests won't want to go out with you in the rain, so one set should be fine ;-)
Atom's are a little wider than the average caterfield, so it's worth measuring up for your garage.
Summary: test drive a 160 and see what you think. Simon or Tom are always happy to take people out for a jaunt around the Taunton roads.
Thanks Bruce. Your advice makes a lot of sense.
I was assuming that the factory would be relatively inundated with orders, post TG item, and that getting a new one might result in an extended waiting list.
I'm just in the middle of sorting out some new wheels for Mrs. LongQ. Once that is sorted I will know better where the budget stands. Hopefully that will be in the next week or two.
Now, where was that tape measure ...
>> Edited by LongQ on Monday 3rd January 16:55
I was assuming that the factory would be relatively inundated with orders, post TG item, and that getting a new one might result in an extended waiting list.
I'm just in the middle of sorting out some new wheels for Mrs. LongQ. Once that is sorted I will know better where the budget stands. Hopefully that will be in the next week or two.
Now, where was that tape measure ...
>> Edited by LongQ on Monday 3rd January 16:55
Yeah, an Atom II 160 seems like it would be ideal for you and they work out so much cheaper than the 220 because you don't really need to spec up so many other parts like the brakes/shocks/diff etc.
I wouldn't worry about not having much track day experience - the Atom's very easy to drive and have fun in.
If you go for a Atom II 160, I'd recommend keeping the spec at a minimum - have fun in it for a year or two and then sell it and upgrade to a 220. Like Bruce says, you shouldn't lose much on the sale.
I had a very early absolutely bog basic Mark I with only 120bhp and it was great fun (despite some early teething problems that have been fixed on newer cars). Ran it for 3 years and sold it with about 20% depreciation which is really good.
I wouldn't worry about not having much track day experience - the Atom's very easy to drive and have fun in.
If you go for a Atom II 160, I'd recommend keeping the spec at a minimum - have fun in it for a year or two and then sell it and upgrade to a 220. Like Bruce says, you shouldn't lose much on the sale.
I had a very early absolutely bog basic Mark I with only 120bhp and it was great fun (despite some early teething problems that have been fixed on newer cars). Ran it for 3 years and sold it with about 20% depreciation which is really good.
ross.mcw said:
Yeah, an Atom II 160 seems like it would be ideal for you and they work out so much cheaper than the 220 because you don't really need to spec up so many other parts like the brakes/shocks/diff etc.
I wouldn't worry about not having much track day experience - the Atom's very easy to drive and have fun in.
If you go for a Atom II 160, I'd recommend keeping the spec at a minimum - have fun in it for a year or two and then sell it and upgrade to a 220. Like Bruce says, you shouldn't lose much on the sale.
I had a very early absolutely bog basic Mark I with only 120bhp and it was great fun (despite some early teething problems that have been fixed on newer cars). Ran it for 3 years and sold it with about 20% depreciation which is really good.
Thanks Ross, that all sounds promising.
Got the tape measure out today and I reckon there should be enough space for everything and room to move around at the norrowest point even if put some fibre board up to cover the brickwork.
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