Tuesday 17th July 2012

Ariel to launch one-make race series in 2013

Official race series for Ariels will make its debut next year

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Ariel is to launch its first-ever UK-based single-make series in 2013 - the Atom Cup. The new series will involve eight race weekends with a total of 16 races at circuits around the UK.

The cars themselves will be 'cup-spec' versions of the Atom, with a tweaked chassis, full roll protection, racing instruments and Ohlins suspension. Engines (245hp non-supercharged 2.0-litre Honda motors), ECU and dampers will be sealed, and all racers will run on Yokohama control tyres.

Depending on how involved you want to get - or how much money you have - the series will have three different 'packages' (bronze, silver or gold) so drivers will be able to choose whether they want to maintain and lug around the cars themselves, or sign-up for a full-on 'arrive and drive' package.

"This is something that we've talked about for a while and we have spent a lot of time getting the details exactly right, from the car right through to the catering. Our aim is to provide fair, competitive and enjoyable racing at reasonable costs to drivers who want to progress from track days, young guys who want to move into professional motorsport and simply those who just love racing.

A one-make series called 'Spec Race Atom' has already been running in the US since 2010 and has proven the race reliability of the Atom, with not a single DNF due to mechanical failure.

If you want more information on the new series you can visit the Atom Cup website here.

[The Danimal]

This looks excellent, I can't wait. Shame they had to put that board on the side for sponsor space though... but I guess if they didn't, there wouldn't be anywhere to put the logos of the nice people that pay for all this car racing shenanigans, so fair enough.

[DrGP]

Love it. Would be good to watch, better to do.
Distinct lack of pricing. Anyone know what this costs?

[Krikkit]

Great stuff, prices are the interesting bit though! Presumably it works out at rather more than the Caterham Academy?

[housen]

how much for gold pls ?

[ColbyCol]

DrGP said:

Love it. Would be good to watch, better to do.
Distinct lack of pricing. Anyone know what this costs?

lol i think we all know the kind of people these packages are tailored towards... :/

Edit - People who don't need to ask 'how much?' haha

[HowardB]

Will we be able to see it on telly?

Would be good to see them mix-it with the all comers races too,..

[Jem1]

The Danimal said:

This looks excellent, I can't wait. Shame they had to put that board on the side for sponsor space though... but I guess if they didn't, there wouldn't be anywhere to put the logos of the nice people that pay for all this car racing shenanigans, so fair enough.

Surely the big attraction of watching Atoms race is you get to see the guys working the wheel and pedals. Where's the USP now?

[A Scotsman]

Given the state of the economy it's probably not the best time to launch a new one make series in the UK! Be interesting to know the costs but I would guestimate something around £150k perhaps more. Not many can afford that.

[The Danimal]

Jem1 said:

The Danimal said:

This looks excellent, I can't wait. Shame they had to put that board on the side for sponsor space though... but I guess if they didn't, there wouldn't be anywhere to put the logos of the nice people that pay for all this car racing shenanigans, so fair enough.

Surely the big attraction of watching Atoms race is you get to see the guys working the wheel and pedals. Where's the USP now?

Yeah, that's kinda what crossed my mind too. It would be great to see the guys and gals driving 'em... maybe they could make the boards from clear poly?

[Jasandjules]

Well that is pretty cool - I rather suspect waaaay out of my budget but still, it would be great to be able to.

[Frimley111R]

A Scotsman said:

Given the state of the economy it's probably not the best time to launch a new one make series in the UK! Be interesting to know the costs but I would guestimate something around £150k perhaps more. Not many can afford that.

People with money still have lots of it and there are a st load of them at motor racing circuits most weekends. Anyway, its not like they are launchine a global world series, I suspect this wont cost much at all to set up (relatively).

[Dawsey]

From £53,195 + VAT

[housen]

Dawsey said:

From £53,195 + VAT

from

haha

that is crazey £ really considering mx5 cup (which i understand is different but) 10k gets u a decent motor and involved

55k for gold would have been nice

[Dangermouse78]

The Danimal said:

This looks excellent, I can't wait. Shame they had to put that board on the side for sponsor space though... but I guess if they didn't, there wouldn't be anywhere to put the logos of the nice people that pay for all this car racing shenanigans, so fair enough.

Or that board could be for the race number as the Atom is somewhat lacking in bodywork.....

[Irish]

Pah, it this not what Caterhams are for?

[Donkey62]

Alternative to Radical's series?

[OlberJ]

housen said:

Dawsey said:

From £53,195 + VAT

from

haha

that is crazey £ really considering mx5 cup (which i understand is different but) 10k gets u a decent motor and involved

55k for gold would have been nice

I believe it includes the car.

[vescaegg]

Definately going to watch this somewhere!

[housen]

OlberJ said:

housen said:

Dawsey said:

From £53,195 + VAT

from

haha

that is crazey £ really considering mx5 cup (which i understand is different but) 10k gets u a decent motor and involved

55k for gold would have been nice

I believe it includes the car.

course

[Ed.]

housen said:

course

Assuming 'a decent motor' is an old mx5 with some track preparation an extra 50 for a purpose built vehicle with manufacturer backing seems ok, not that I can afford either.