Participating in the "Atom Experience" held by Virginia International Raceway.My buddy Jeff has done a handful of trips cross-country in the Atom with me but has never driven it on the track. We visited the current factory which put him in a track-prepped Atom and set him loose on Virginia International Raceway.
- arrival at VIR
TMI AutoTech (current maker of the Atom) is located at Virginia International Raceway. So my buddy Jeff and I hopped in the Atom and drove 19 hours from WI to get there. - The Lodge
The Lodge hotel sits adjacent to the track. - view from the balcony
The room's balcony provides a nice view of track and surroundings. - surprise
Jeff thought we were here for a tour and some service work. As a surprise, I presented him with a certificate for the half-day VIR Driving Experience. - event schedule
Jeff had done a ton of miles behind the wheel of my Atom, but none on the track. Today was the day, although the car would be provided by TMI. - check-in with Graham
On check-in, each participant has to sign a bunch of stuff and squeeze into a driving suit for their time behind the wheel. - classroom instruction
Prior to the time out on the track, some classroom instruction is required. - instructor Geoff
Instructor Geoff introduced himself. - format and rules
An overview of the event format and rules was given. - ready and waiting
The cars were provided by TMI and were ready and waiting. - run groups
There were three groups with 4 people in each group. Only one group was out on the track at a time. - helmet fitting
Everyone found a helmet that fit, and got accustomed to a neck brace and balaclava. - the cars
All the cars in use were the same, except for the number and color on the hood and rear snorkel cover. - view of the rear
With no need for any street-legal accessories, these cars were in a very lightweight configuration. And, they were on sticky tires too. - interior 1
- interior 2
- car overview 1
- car overview 2
- Geoff and Graham
- group photo
- getting ready
- Jeff ready to go
- the group behind the pace driver
- track shot 1
- track shot 2
Jeff was in the red 04 car for the day.