Ariel Atom for Track Days?

[KYROCKS]

Really interested in an Ariel Atom for track days/HPDE/member days. I have several years of experience and I am a PCA instructor. Any suggestions on what type of Ariel would be appreciated. I don’t think I have time to race. Thank you.

[9and3]

You are aware that Ariel Atoms are not permitted to participate in PCA events.

With regards to which car to get.... I would caution you about the Atom 2, seem to have some inherent issues. Otherwise the question is will you drive to track or trailer. If you trailer then the way to go is an SRA. If you want to drive to track you will need to address the tire issue. I drove my SRA for a couple of sessions on brand new Yokohama AO48 R comp tires and they were horrible. It is very difficult to get heat into racing slicks, impossible to get heat into street tires. So if you get a drive to track car, need to make arrangements to be able to swap out tires.

[2/3rdsCobra]

You are aware that Ariel Atoms are not permitted to participate in PCA events.

What? Please elaborate and if possible attach a PCA link that confirms this.

[sector: 4]

"With regards to which car to get.... I would caution you about the Atom 2, seem to have some inherent issues."

That's a pretty vague statement. Can you elaborate on this, please?

[9and3]

"With regards to which car to get.... I would caution you about the Atom 2, seem to have some inherent issues."

That's a pretty vague statement. Can you elaborate on this, please?

https://www.arielatomchat.com/forums/thread582.html

https://www.arielatomchat.com/forums/thread1929.html

Also any parts that are unique to the Atom 2 appear to be getting harder to find You own one so you should know better than I do. Also my personal preference for a track car would be a car with a full roll bar.

[9and3]

What? Please elaborate and if possible attach a PCA link that confirms this.

https://www.pca.org/driver-education-minimum-standards

"While non-competitive, safety equipment is still required as outlined in these rules. All cars entered in the event must have fenders attached to the vehicle body at all four corners."

You will have some difficulty finding it but they consider the Ariel Atom an open wheel car. A Caterham is also considered open wheel. If you read the rules it says the car must have fenders that are permanently mounted to the body of the car. Since the Atom is mounted to the hub, it does not qualify. If you can prove otherwise, I would appreciate your telling me as I love running with those guys.

[sector: 4]

OK, both links point to the same issue - the adjustment thimbles. Yes, this is serious design flaw, but I actually sell longer rod end bearings which fix this problem...
https://www.arielatomchat.com/forums/thread3036.html
They bolt right in. Easy fix. Problem solved.

I think there's a much bigger problem with the Atom 3 suspension. It uses a rod end bearings loaded in BENDING as ball joints, lol. This is a MAJOR no-no and MUCH more difficult and costly to fix. Brammo had the good sense to use a proper ball joint instead, so the Atom 2 is superior in this regard.

Yes, some Atom 2 parts are "hard to get". Sometimes you have to have parts specially fabricated, just like Brammo did, or substitute different parts.

As for a full roll bar, Atom 2's came with one as an option, you know - just like the Atom 3 does. I took mine off.

[9and3]

OK, both links point to the same issue - the adjustment thimbles. Yes, this is serious design flaw, but I actually sell longer rod end bearings which fix this problem...
https://www.arielatomchat.com/forums/thread3036.html
They bolt right in. Easy fix. Problem solved.

I think there's a much bigger problem with the Atom 3 suspension. It uses a rod end bearings loaded in BENDING as ball joints, lol. This is a MAJOR no-no and MUCH more difficult and costly to fix. Brammo had the good sense to use a proper ball joint instead, so the Atom 2 is superior in this regard.

Yes, some Atom 2 parts are "hard to get". Sometimes you have to have parts specially fabricated, just like Brammo did, or substitute different parts.

As for a full roll bar, Atom 2's came with one as an option, you know - just like the Atom 3 does. I took mine off.

I saw your posts and its obvious that you have a much better understanding of the issues than I do. I wanted, searched for and bought an SRA. Its fit my purpose as a trailer to track car.

As far as Atom 2, my only comment was that I had seen posts with regards to rod end failures. My previous car was a Lotus Elise, had a similar problem with bolts not being speced properly. Lost my rear suspension in a very fast turn and luckily saved it before hitting anything, so I am a little fearful of things like that. With this said, I have seen the level of detail you have invested in your car and recommend anyone who is considering getting an Atom 2 to use you as a resource. Best of luck with your new car.

[cvjoint]

SRA for me. I bought one, tracked it 10 times now, beat all my records and only had to change oil and brake fluid. I don't know whether an Atom 2/3 can be as bullet proof but consider that the SRA has a lot of safety added:
welded in large diameter roll bar
reinforced pedal box
steel tank with rollover protection
6 point harness
fire extinguisher

While having none of the bits you need on the street that add weight or drag, like:
headlights
extra wiring and controls
larger resonators

Then there is cooling, a dual fan oil cooler out the back. I could only get water to 218* in 100* ambient.

The right tool for the right job exists: SRA.

[9and3]

SRA for me. I bought one, tracked it 10 times now, beat all my records and only had to change oil and brake fluid. I don't know whether an Atom 2/3 can be as bullet proof but consider that the SRA has a lot of safety added:
welded in large diameter roll bar
reinforced pedal box
steel tank with rollover protection
6 point harness
fire extinguisher

While having none of the bits you need on the street that add weight or drag, like:
headlights
extra wiring and controls
larger resonators

Then there is cooling, a dual fan oil cooler out the back. I could only get water to 218* in 100* ambient.

The right tool for the right job exists: SRA.

My sentiment exactly