Quick Spin in the Ariel Atom!

Last weekend, yours truly and one Ariel Atom spent a few fast and frisky laps together on the DDT surface at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (CTMP) in Bowmanville, Ontario.

Full review coming soon, but in the meantime, here’s the important stuff: this lightweight, tube-chassis track weapon basically amounts to a Honda Civic Si powertrain, rear mounted, to propel a grown-up go-kart that weighs in at just 1,500 lbs. With 230 horsepower, expect 0-100 km/h in under 3 seconds, and handling that makes even the fastest road-legal cars feel squishy and fat.

It’s an excellent driving tool for seasoned racing veterans and aspiring novices alike, and is more playful and forgiving, and less intimidating, than expected.

A very special thanks to Roadsport Ariel, to the Parkinson Canada Life Lists Challenge Program, and for the fine fellas at Driveteq, for making the day possible. Also, a big thanks to Chris Koski for the fantastic photography.