New track surface sees racers set record times
SPECIALIST ASPHALT LAID DOWN AT THE DONINGTON PARK CIRCUIT
LAP records have been broken at Donington Park with the help of a new surface laid by Aggregate Industries.
The building materials giant, which is based in Coalville, completed its resurfacing of the race circuit ahead of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship – where a number of fastest laps were set.
In total, 6,500 tonnes of asphalt was removed and replaced over a 22-day period, representing the most significant improvement work at the circuit in almost 20 years.
Aggregate Industries worked with track owner MotorSport Vision (MSV) and designer Driven International to put down its specially formulated high-grip SuperPrixmat Ultra asphalt, which is designed for high-performance race tracks.
Because of the tight timescale, the Aggregate Industries team used more than one of its plants to supply the raw materials, enabling it to relay the 2.5 mile track in quick time.
MSV chief executive and ex-Formula One racing driver Jonathan Palmer said: “Donington Park is an extremely important circuit in MSV’s portfolio, hosting both World Superbike and British Superbike events, where some of the best international riders push their 220bhp race bikes to the absolute limit.
“With just two tyre contact patches, the size of the palm of a hand, to be able to rely on the grip and consistency of the surface is critical.
“I was at Donington for the BSB weekend and heard nothing but the highest praise for our new surface, which was immensely satisfying.
“Riders loved the increased grip, in both dry and wet conditions, and its smoothness.
“Just a few weeks before, the top British Touring Car Championship drivers echoed these sentiments.
“Motor racing circuit resurfacing is a challenging engineering operation where a lot can go wrong.
“However, I congratulate Aggregate Industries on doing an outstanding job, on budget, on time.
“And Driven International for its expert design and engineering contribution to set the specification.”
Vicky Smith, regional director for surfacing solutions at Aggregate Industries, said: “Working together with both MSV and an extensive supply chain has required exacting levels of technical capability and advanced innovative solutions from across the Aggregate Industries team.
“The resurfacing of any major project requires meticulous planning and a true collaborative approach across all involved contractors.
“The resurfacing of Donington Park was no different, and we’re delighted with the end result – a bespoke solution that meets the durability requirements of one of the world’s most iconic race tracks.”