Aggregate Industries resurface Donington Park racetrack
Iconic race circuit resurfaced ahead of Bennetts British Superbikes Championship
AGGREGATE Industries successfully completed major resurfacing works at the world-renowned Donington Park race circuit, ahead of last weekend’s Bennetts British Superbike Championship.
The essential and extensive track maintenance works, which included the removal and replacement of more than 6,500 tonnes of asphalt, were completed over 22 days and represent the most significant improvement works at the venue in almost 20 years.
The collaborative project saw Aggregate Industries work together with track-owners MotorSport Vision (MSV) and track designers Driven International, plus a complex supply chain, to provide more than 5,000 tonnes of their specially formulated high-grip SuperPrixmat Ultra asphalt, designed exclusively for demanding high-performance motor racing circuits. The company also provided 846 tonnes of binder course and 740 tonnes of stress-absorbing membrane interlayer SuperSAMI.
The time-intensive project required Aggregate Industries to utilize dual supply plants to maximize time and minimize disruption on-site during the 22-day construction period. This allowed for a continuous supply of asphalt to the site, enabling the team to lay the product at a consistent speed in echelon to achieve a jointless surface on the 2.5-mile track.
Following the Bennetts British Superbike Championship (BSB) last weekend, riders noted that there was an overall improvement to performance levels and circuit grip, resulting in the fastest Bennetts (BSB) laps set to date.
Vicky Smith, regional director for Surfacing Solutions at Aggregate Industries, said: ‘Working together with both MSV and an extensive supply chain 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 racetracks.’
MSV chief executive 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, as well as Driven International for their expert design and engineering contribution to set the specification.’
