My 18 year old Newphew got a Virgin trackday experience for xmas and is torn between either deciding on an Aeriel atom or the slightly more sane road going alternatives (ferrari 360, porsche 911, aston) alternatives.

I don't think he's that fussed and sure he'll have a great time in either. But from pure fun I think maybe the atom?

Good idea or bad idea?

Atom all the way

Another vote for the atom, i've never driven anything else quite so entertaining.

Atom every time.

For an 18 year old it needs to be the super car so he has bragging rights to his mates.

I did a few laps in an Atom earlier this year - very quick, but held back by an over-cautious instructor and (very) cheap budget tyres

For a youngster, the Atom would be wasted - far better to experience the grand theatre of a Lamborghini or Ferrari, even if the drive isn't quite as quick

I agree.

I've never driven an Atom but I doubt I'd get anywhere near it's limits now, let alone 10 years ago when I still had to concentrate while driving.

I've a foot in both camps. My 13 year old thinks the Atom is the coolest car out there but I'm guessing it needs to be pushed pretty hard to extract its potential and they just don't allow you to do that on these experience days. If part of it is to be driven by the instructor at speed, that could be interesting. Otherwise go for one of the supercars - not my cuppa but maybe cool for a teenager.