do we know who this is??

[Atomize]

***IDENTITY REMOVED*** - Apparently was spotted at the Ring recently, being overtaken by a guy in a 2005 Subaru. His words were along the line of "he seemed to be going backwards". This chap, who works in for what used to be Motorcycle City (can't remember current name) in Farnborough, is a Ring vet. (if that isn't too rude a term) and laps just under 8 mins 30 secs. Not been there yet so I don't know if that is good.

The Atom was obviously a recent car, so I guess the owner/driver might have just been taking it easy - thats what I was saying anyway

>> Edited by atomize on Tuesday 9th August 10:54

[owi]

I'd don't think it's particularly helpful to pass on these kinds of comments - Atom owners shouldn't be pressured to drive beyond their comfort limits on tracks as dangerous as the Ring. Atom owners buy their cars to have fun, not to be official demonstrators of the capabilities of the car.

[old_bloke]

First time I drove on the 'ring (in an Elise) it was very wet and I was driving to what I could see - no clue about what was over the next crest or round a corner. The group I was with were being helped by a professional instructor - who lapped 2 minutes faster than me in a Passat diesel. With 4 up! Had a chat with him later. He's done thousands of laps over the years and knows every bend and bump in the circuit. IMO there's no shame in driving within the limits of what you are comfortable with.

[Bruce Fielding]

There was actually a very good reason why that particular car was going slowly... but I agree that discussions of this nature are ultimately of no use are not helpful.

[datasafe]

From a (soon to be newbie) Atom owner point of view I can understand how one can feel slightly intimidated into driving beyond ones comfort zone.

I would hope that most of us are mature enough to resist that feeling of intimidation.

We've all witnessed or heard about the tragic aftermath of usually younger, inexperienced drivers, driving beyond their ability. Scenes I personally hope never to see again.

JC

[atomize]

Maybe I didn't do a very good job of making it clear that these were not my opinions. As I am sure you are all more than aware by now, once you own one of these cars everyone and his Aunt feels the need to share their "I know someone with...." or "I saw one of these doing ...". I don't know this guy from Adam, but was just sharing what he said - I will remember to keep my mouth shut in future.

[owi]

For my part I wasn't slamming you down, Atomize - if this Subaru driver is a Ring veteran then he should be the last person to want people to drive beyond their capability there. Everyone is pleased to drive faster than a faster/more expensive/more insane car so that's no doubt the basis of his comments. We just don't want any pressure on Atom owners to drive to satisfy other people rather than themselves.

As for me, when I get to the Ring in an Atom one day (difficult from Australia or New Zealand), I'll start out by driving like a grandmother for quite some time ...