Friday 16th December 2011

Ariel Atoms to head-up Palmerdrome fleet

Bedford Autodrome to get specially tweaked Atoms for its PalmerSport driving events

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A fleet of bespoke Ariel Atoms has been unveiled as the flagship vehicle for PalmerSport driving events at Bedford Autodrome.

The fleet of Ariel Atom 3s use a new Sadev six-speed sequential gearbox, coupled to the normally aspirated 245hp Honda engine, which can shift ratios in 0.06secs.

The transmission, similar to that fitted to the Ariel Atom V8, is part of a package of tweaks for the PalmerSport cars that includes new electronics, dual brakes and instructor controls (presumably to make sure the punters don't let their enthusiasm outstrip their ability).

"The combination of Atom and PalmerSport is a fantastic fit. The PalmerSport facility and events are simply the best of their kind, bar none, and the Atom is the ultimate trackday car. Drivers will be able to push the car as hard as they can on a fantastic circuit which is fast becoming a second home to the Atom," says Ariel boss Simon Saunders.

"To head up the line up of the PamerSport garage is a great honour for Ariel and will allow many more drivers to experience the unique thrill of an Atom flat out on track. A lot of big grins are guaranteed in 2012".

The Atom will also be the tool used for the new PalmerSport 'SuperGrid', a new programme for celebrities to set their fastest lap time at Bedford Autodrome. Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Johnny Herbert, Jason Plato, Rob Huff, Tiff Needell and Jake Humphrey are some of the names set to put their pace to the test and kick off the leaderboard.

[Madmatt74]

Might have to book myself a day out!

[cybersimon]

"Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Johnny Herbert, Jason Plato, Rob Huff, Tiff Needell and Jake Humphrey"

Is there an odd one out?

[louiebaby]

cybersimon said:

"Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Johnny Herbert, Jason Plato, Rob Huff, Tiff Needell and Jake Humphrey"

Is there an odd one out?

Yep, I've not heard of Rob Huff.

Palmersport is an amazing day out. I remember my day from a few years ago with fond memories. My wife doesn't like that I refer to it as the best day of my life.

[Turn7]

Whilst its nice to see Palmersport having the Atom,isn't it at the expense of two cars? The pork and the clio?

Only getting to drive five instead of fives suddenly makes it seem like not such top value.

[thewheelman]

Jake Humphrey.....why?

[pistolp]

thewheelman said:

Jake Humphrey.....why?

So we have someone to beat

[Boarder1]

I think Mr Huff has a good chance to be a top of the leaderboard.

Does anyone know the current cost for a Palmer day? As I am thinking about organising ot for my old man's birthday.

[nickfrog]

Turn7 said:

Whilst its nice to see Palmersport having the Atom,isn't it at the expense of two cars? The pork and the clio?

Only getting to drive five instead of fives suddenly makes it seem like not such top value.

Presumably the driving time won't be affected overall so spending more time behind the wheel of fewer cars might not be too bad.

Still, a shame for the Clio. The Porsches must have been a little long in the tooth by now and might not have been very cost effective.

[b14]

I think its close to a grand for the day

[Life Saab Itch]

Turn7 said:

Whilst its nice to see Palmersport having the Atom,isn't it at the expense of two cars? The pork and the clio?

Only getting to drive five instead of fives suddenly makes it seem like not such top value.

You think the economic situation hasn't hit this company hard?

They got rid of most of their workshop staff a while ago and went down to bare minimum.

TBH this is ideal for them. Reliable Honda power and lightweight so it's a bit easier on tyres.


The Clio Cup racers were ludicrous for parts prices and the Porsches not much better.



Still, gotta save money for the helicopter.

[nickfrog]

Boarder1 said:

I think Mr Huff has a good chance to be a top of the leaderboard.

Does anyone know the current cost for a Palmer day? As I am thinking about organising ot for my old man's birthday.

Works out at around £750 inc VAT for the full day inc insurance and food.

Edited by nickfrog on Friday 16th December 11:40

[LooneyTunes]

cybersimon said:

"Martin Brundle, Mark Blundell, Johnny Herbert, Jason Plato, Rob Huff, Tiff Needell and Jake Humphrey"

Is there an odd one out?

Is it that only one's posed with custard?

[Fish]

Atoms will be a lot cheaper to run, they hardly use tyres or brake pads. The only thing to check will be the track rod ends and bolt tightness...

[Forbes82]

thewheelman said:

Jake Humphrey.....why?

Probably just to demonstrate the difference between a pro driver time and someone new to it.

Reminds me of that F1 feature of Jake in the Lotus Elise race, made me cringe that someone so incapeable was let on track. From memory he ended his practice session in the kitty litter, had one crash in quali and two in the race before finishing last.

I understand why they did it and all, but you have to feel for the people spending thier time, money and effort to go racing only to have Jake Humprey hit em.

[rthomp25]

La Liga said:

I went on a track-day this year. Drove all sorts of nice cars e.g. Gallardo, Murcielago, 458, GTR etc. The I drove the 300 BHP Atom. It redefined what I thought as fast and reduced every other car I drove to nothing. I've never felt anything like it.

Wow - that sounds a good track day as well - looks like I will have to save up for both!
What are the details for the track day you went on ?

[Frimley111R]

Every time I look at these I think 'Ooo I'll get one' then I look out of the window at the rain and cold etc and think. 'Nahhh'. It really is like a 4 wheel motorbike and I've got to consider it like that. Nice though.

[Cotty]

louiebaby said:

Palmersport is an amazing day out.

Is that like PamerSport in the artical?

[Chris1909]

I think I might be raiding my piggy bank....

[nickfrog]

The difference between track car pace and almost any road car is vast. PalmerSport is wayyyyyyyy better than any of those Supercar (usually road cars) experience where they can't afford billys bending expensive metal so you're massively restricted.

PalmerSport is quite the opposite, no crash barriers, massive run-offs, very high amount of time behind the wheel. The instructors are seriously briefed to let the guests explore the (very high) limits of the machinery.

[Mitch2.0]

Whilst I couldn't care less about the Atom being used by Palmer, the Supergrid do dar sounds like a right laugh, I love it when drivers compete in the same car for these fun-type events.