Anybody compete in SCCA Solo I Autocross

[dgoetz]

What classes do they run in? I imagine it would depend on the engines and options. I have checked on the SCCA forum and have gotten mixed results and I can't find anything about them in the rule book as far as classing goes.

[762]

I am not an atom owner, but I autocross an S2000 in STR. From my initial research in considering a future atom purchase it looks to be classed in A mod, B mod, or XP.

[bolus]

remember to not just limit to autocross. The atom is so light that it takes some work to get heat into the tires. So you would normally need a lap or 2 on a road race track to get enough heat into the tires (and brakes even though that seems counter intuitive) to really stick to the ground. Really not that possible on an autocross track unless you are investing into tire warmers. Even a very sticky tire like the Hoosier A6 (an autocross tire) is still made for cars twice as heavy.

[MadMaxAtom]

^ What Bolus says is correct. Tire selection is everything on an Atom. I have had good A/X success (4 FTDs) with my Atom,but it took a LOT of prep work and tire selection to get me there.(and seat time..) On a cool day (track temps <75 degrees) you will have a tough time getting enough traction to be competitive,even with the stickiest tires available (Hoosier R25b compound) and your suspension must be set up to take advantage of them. Forget about rain days..

[RyanD]

Last time I ran, they let me run in D Mod. It's not officially allowed in that class, but it meets the weight requirements. It is not really competitive against purpose built D Mod cars.

This is from the current rule book:
"The Ariel Atom and Toniq may be eligible for BM or AM, if the car is in compliance with the class rule set."

Any purpose built BM or AM car will blow away an Atom on an autocross course, so they are basically putting it in a class where it won't bother anybody. However, you may be the only BM or AM car at the event and get a trophy anyway.

[timcking]

I've been running in 'Run No Points' and I don't remember the class. I just do it for fun. It's a great challenge. The highest tire temps I've seen are just under 130 degrees Fahrenheit with the ambient temp around 75-80 degrees F. I'm going on my third season (next year) with Hankook's Z214 C71. No perceptible wear and still soft. I guess they don't 'heat-cycle' from the temps I'm running. Put about 1,000 mi/yr on the car.