Phokaioglaukos

Leaving aside for the moment just how smart it is, do any PCA events permit drivers to drive open wheel cars such as the Ariel Atom (LINK HERE) in DE?

hacker-pschorr

I have yet to see a DE allow open wheel cars. However, the Ariel Atom is not supposed to be considered an open wheel vehicle.

Cory M

Well technically, the Atom does have fenders.

The only time I have run combined sedan and openwheel cars was during a vintage car (VARA) track school.

gbaker

I drove an SRF at an SCCA school with FVs in the run group. Everyone played nice and there was no problem.

JackOlsen

Some DE's allow it out here in California. I remember there was a period where at least one of the track insurers out here decided they wouldn't allow a mix of open wheel and fendered cars on the track at the same time, but I'm pretty sure they reversed the decision later.

Somewhere I've got video of me chasing an Ariel Atom at Willow Springs. Those things are very capable little cars.

M758

I have raced and run race group practice with closed wheel formula cars. IE SRF type. I have never shared the track with an true open wheel car.

Not sure where to put the Atom? It is sort of open wheeled and yet techincally has fenders. In some ways it is like a Lotus 7 replica which as front "fenders". My guess is that you would be fine an typical closed wheel DE group due to the two seats and "fenders". It is a road car in europe correct?

M758

I found this on their website

"Racing
The US built Atom is designed exclusively for racing and open track days, and performs as a true racecar should! With extensive testing at the GM Proving Grounds along with suspension tuned by Koni and engines tuned by GM Performance, the Atom is built for speed on the track.

Brammo offers customers several options to configure their car anywhere from a fun trackday car to a hardcore racing weapon. Racing features include upgraded Alcon braking package, dry sump lubrication system, magnesium wheels, and carbon fiber front and rear wings.

Already approved for open lapping and NASA HPDE events, look for updates as Brammo attempts to get the Atom homologated for competitive racing events in the US! "

38D

I have run with a open wheelers (Indy Lites, old F1 cars, etc) at a TracQuest event at the Glen a couple of years ago.

smankow

Chris, I don't know if you've seen the price, but the "default" configuration is only priced at $82,467. At that price, you should keep your GT3.

Steve

svochuck

I ran with open wheel cars in DE for more than 4 years and never saw any problems. it's not racing it's "DE" you should not bump or rub ANY car in DE so open wheels or demo derby side bumpers should make no difference.

side question how often do cars touch each other at your DE events ? I have never seen it happen in about 60 DE events.

Chuck
944-spec / SP1

gbaker

The open wheel crowd knows they are going to be on the bad end of any rubbin', so they tend to be very careful. The slowers ones, like FV, are always moving over.

The only problem I had was with the faster versions, such as FM, which can be too quick to wait for a point. They can be hard to see in the mirror and suddenly the guy you thought was going to pass on your left, you just pushed off on your right. I guess that's why they call it a school...

38D

I see maybe one car to car incident every 30-35 events.

TheOtherEric

In my 50+ days, I've only seen it once: at the PCA labor day race weekend at Road America. That weekend always brings out the loonies, and 5-6 cars got smashed up PER DAY this year, including 2 that collided in the last corner. Dunno why it happened but those 2 should be banned IMHO. (sorry for the personal commentary...)

BrokeAss

I ran in a PBOC event once and chased a little Formula Ford (?) It was a little open-wheel car, single-seat cockpit with a little Ford Escort motor in the back.

Funny thing was that we had nearly identical lap times. I'd make big gains in the straights and could catch him under braking, but couldn't hold a candle to him in the corners or match his exit speed.

The only "safety" issue was the lack of brake lights. The first time I caught him in Sebring 7 (safety pin) I really had to brake check. He began braking much earlier than I would have thought and without brake lights my only "clue" was the stupid-fast closing speed.

gbaker

C4 Guy,

I heard (but have not seen) that the November Car & Driver does a comparison of lap times at VIR between different style cars, and it underlines what you mention. It's not unusual for a little 110hp FF or SRF to be pounding on the bumper of a Corvette in the twisties--with both turning similar lap times on a tight course.