After the re-introduction of the British Rallycross Championship to Mallory Park which hosted the final round of the 2009 series, the circuit owners have today confirmed that all necessary re-grading of the loose sections have now been carried out successfully.
During last years return to the circuit some competitors were concerned regarding the suitability of the loose sections after damage to their cars became apparent, possibly due to the bumps and large stones after the circuit had been used for the first time in a major Rallycross event in 31 years.
The circuit owners have attempted previous repairs to the loose sections, which could not be completed in time for the scheduled but later cancelled LHMC Winter Series event on February 14, this was hampered further due to the intense cold snaps experienced over the winter break.
After a visit to the circuit by experienced groundwork company MD and Supercar racer Steve Hill of Steve Hill Construction Ltd advice was given to the circuit bosses of what developments were required to improve the unforgiving loose sections.
Steve Hill – "We spent some time covering all loose areas of the circuit and sample testing, we soon learned that the majority of the gravel areas needed completely re-grading from scratch. After a recent revisit to the circuit I can confirm the circuit have ticked every box on our suggestion list"
Hill added "Even with the bumps at last year's event, Mallory Park was a very fast and exciting Rallycross venue, I'm looking forward to sampling what I can only describe as a massive improvement and I hope we can keep Mallory on our calendar for many years to come and all competitors can bring their cars with confidence to round 5 on August 8th"
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The extensive improvements carried out includes shallow concrete ramps to ease the transition between loose and tarmac, over 120 tons of large stones have been removed from the surface, the addition of fine material in braking and acceleration areas to tighten up the material, a concrete sub base added to the loose chicane to prevent rutting and constant heavy rolling to firm up and stabilise the newly graded loose section.