Interested in SPA Atom for track day car.

[Jeff_Kay]

I was interested in a SPA Atom as a track day car. I have a storage container at Willow Springs, CA.

Previously had a Radical SR3. Loved it, but the costs eat you alive. Also something more robust.

How are these cars to drive? Experiences.. Would like opinions.

Thanks!
Jeff

[MadMaxAtom]

It's an SRA: Spec Racer Atom. It uses a car drivetrain (Honda) so very dependable. Lightweight,so easy on consumables. Well supported by TMI and reasonably priced considering the performance level available (driven properly)

What's not to like?

[atom ant]

Here is a video of the atom (supercharged) and radical on the track, judge for yourself.

https://youtu.be/HqHiEqAxI_4

[FourFather]

Jeff, you are in luck. I currently have two SRA cars ready to ship! One is new, and one that won the last two series races at Virginia International Raceway, is the record holder on all three track configurations, and has been factory maintained.

New,

https://www.arielatomchat.com/forums/thread2536-2.html



And the record holder is

https://www.arielatomchat.com/forums/thread2532.html

Both listed here on the forum under US Atoms for sale.

A deposit will lock in either one of these while we work out details of final payment and shipping.

Thanks for looking,

Eddie FourFather Hill

[Jeff_Kay]

Typo.. I meant SRA. Autocorrect!

Thanks for the info. I've seen the cars you have for sale Eddie, look nice.

I'm looking for a good quality low usage one.

I was wondering how the difference between a high down-force car and one based on all mechanical grip. I guess kinda like a formula ford/vee type.

Definitely looks fun.

Oh, I have zero interest in turning it into a street car. I know exactly what track only means!

[FourFather]

-----

How are these cars to drive? Experiences.. Would like opinions.

Thanks!
Jeff

From Eddie FourFather Hill-
This is me running my streetable, two-seat, 2012 Ariel Atom 3 300HP demonstrator/company car, against single-seat race cars. At Hallett Motor Raceway, near Tulsa, Oklahoma.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iwrvqj8TvN8

And at Eagles Canyon Raceway, near Decatur, Texas.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5EQr...m-upload_owner

And here I get the holeshot at the start of the Open Wheel final at Hallett, recently.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgUNet7Rfz8

Thank you again,

Regards,

Eddie Hill

[xoxojjffpp7]

They should put sales discussions in Marketplace...forever!

[Jeff_Kay]

My question was not where/ how much to buy one. I am looking for owners/drivers opinion of the idea of purchasing one, considering my background and target goals.

[paulrom]

So, I had the same thought as you. Previously had a C6Z06. Sold it and bought a brand new SRA from TMI. Had them install 2 seats, fenders and 2 sets of wheels. Right around $50M. Have driven it for 2 years on various tracks around the NE, usually doing 12-16 track events per year. Never had a regret. The car is more of a challenge and takes more skill, but it is faster at every track, significantly cheaper to run, is more satisfying to drive, gets more attention and has forced me to become a better driver. No regrets at all. Good Luck.

[silver]

I was interested in a SPA Atom as a track day car. I have a storage container at Willow Springs, CA.

Previously had a Radical SR3. Loved it, but the costs eat you alive. Also something more robust.

How are these cars to drive? Experiences.. Would like opinions.

Thanks!
Jeff

The upkeep on these cars is probably cheaper than any other track car based on everyone's experience. In stock form you'll maybe need to replace the rod ends every XXXX miles or 5 years.....other than that, tires, oil, break pads and fluids that's probably it, if you can believe it.

Because these cars use factory engines with nothing really up-specced you're basically running a stock motor with 1/3 the weight it was intended to push around, I feel like this is why there's very little upkeep

If you change your car to run on wider full slicks you'll be pushing the uprights and wheel bearings harder, and they may need attention eventually, but still engine / transmission are going to be rock solid.

I drove my atom 12,000, with several track days, so I'm not really pulling off my track experience, but since you're not really getting too many responses to your actual question I'm trying to give you what you're looking for.

Some tracks I did get tired shoulders, but, again limited track time I'm sure people who track more frequently do not have much physical discomfort from driving on track