Filed under: Sports/GTs, First Drive
Ariel Atom Experience: Coming to a city (maybe) near you
Oh, man, wouldn't it be nice to have an Ariel Atom for a day on a wide open track? North America's hook up for the Atom, Brammo, is offering a few lucky folks just that chance. They're loading up a handful of the lightweight two-seaters and touring North America with the Ariel Atom Experience.
At a few select tracks around the country, only 14 drivers a day will get seat time in an Ecotec-powered Ariel Atom 2, along with professional driving instructors personally teaching you how best to handle them. Other amenities include gourmet lunch, in-car video and photographers capturing that aer-to-ear grin on your face for all eternity. All this is included in the low price of, uh, well, we don't know yet. The Ariel Atom Experience Web site omits any mention of cost, though it does make clear a 50% deposit is due at the time of booking, which makes us think that a day in an a tiny Atom will take a lot of little Benjamins.
To see a list of tracks and dates, click through to the jump.
Thanks for the tip, Eric!
So far, this is the list of the U.S. tracks hosting the Experience:
- Miller Sportsranch in Tooele, Utah – Aug. 6-9 and Aug. 21-24
- Autobahn in Joliet, Ill. – Sept. 13-16
- Motorsports Ranch in Cresson, Texas – Sept. 24-27
- Willow Springs in Rosamond, Calif. – Oct. 23-25
- Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch in Pahrump, Nev. – Oct. 29-Nov. 1
- Thunderhill in Willows, Calif. – Nov. 12-15
- Buttonwillow in Buttonwillow, Calif. – Dec. 5-7
Two Canadian tracks are also on the calendar.
- Shannonville Motorsports Park in Belleville, Ontario. – June 19-June21, June 25-June 28, July 3, July 5, July 9-12, July 16 and July 18
- Race City Speedway in Calgary, Alberta – July 30-Aug. 2
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
akintz 9:37AM (2/21/2007)
If they'd do Watkins Glen, that would be a blast... and like 15 min up the road! Not that I could afford it, I'm sure... but a guy can dream, right?
BTW... "ariel atom experience" link is f'd.
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akintz 9:38AM (2/21/2007)
Oh ya, here:
http://www.arielatomexperience.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=58
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Howard Kerr 10:02AM (2/21/2007)
The mention of a "gourmet lunch" is the tip-off.
While I would love some drive time in this minimalistic road rocket, I doubt I would really care if it was catered or even if they provided dog food for lunch. Like the first poster, I guess I don't have enough spare green at my disposal.
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Scott_D 10:11AM (2/21/2007)
I was just talking to these guys yesterday at the Toronto International Autoshow. They will be in Calgary, AB this year and Belleville, ON, and i believe he said 1750 a day(canadian i assume). I don't know much about driving experiences but it sounded pretty awesome.
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VW-Guy 10:14AM (2/21/2007)
Cost anyone? As said above, doesn't sound like an inexpensive day. Don't forget the 'served by hostesses' and 'AAE branded jacket, polo shirt, and other apparel for you to keep' as well, those don't come free.
Having said that, a track day in an Atom is a rare, once in a longtime experience and should be/will be priced accordingly.
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Poleaxe 10:59AM (2/21/2007)
The Canadian tracks show prices - $1750 for the day.
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Dandy 11:02AM (2/21/2007)
This is one of the few times I've really hated myself for not having money.
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Randy Lamp 10:51PM (2/21/2007)
Brammo will also have a role in a different kind of Atom Experience this Fall. AtomFest will be a three day event held at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit (near Tulsa) October 18, 19, 20. Many Atoms from all over the US will be there along with celebrity owners and numerouse Atom dignitaries from the UK. A very affordable way to get a great "Atomic" experience! Lots of information here:
http://forum.atomclub.com/index.php/topic,2901.0.html
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