Rockingham Adds Wet Grip Facility

The Rockingham circuit is best-known as the UK’s most modern and only purpose-built motor sport facility and the venue for exciting and action-packed motor racing. However, there is more to Rockingham than competitive motorsports, as the circuit is regularly used for testing, demonstration and driver training programmes. Apart from the original high-speed oval track, the facility boasts multiple in-field race circuit configurations, 4×4 off-road courses, a challenging rally stage and a city driving course.

These facilities were extended still further this autumn, with the opening of a new “Wet Grip” area, specially developed in co-operation with MIRA. This simulates driving on ice, rain and even the effects of wet leaves, all at slower speeds and in a safe environment – it is, says Rockingham, perfect for ABS braking and traction control systems.

Rockingham Chairman Len O’Hagan is delighted with the opening of the Wet Grip area, saying: “Its combination of variable surfaces and advanced technology creates a sophisticated environment for manufacturers to test the responses of vehicles and key components in extreme conditions.

“The facility also allows drivers of all levels to hone their car control skills and gain a practical understanding of vehicle dynamics in all weathers.”

Unique specification

The Rockingham Wet Grip area has two performance surfaces, featuring a crescent area ideal for demonstrating understeer and oversteer, plus a straight which can be used for a variety of tests from ABS braking systems to slalom oversteer.

Something that makes the facility unique to the UK is its “water walls”, which have 19 different settings and can be programmed to create a series of obstacles and chicanes to test a driver’s emergency avoidance skills in perfect safety. With the environment in mind, the used water is channelled back into a storage tank and continually recycled.

Early next year, the area will be further enhanced by the installation of a kick-plate feature. This will actively engage the traction control systems to enable novice or expert drivers to gain the most out of the equipment, while the water walls – which can be programmed to operate randomly – will add another dimension.

Another part of the Wet Grip is the Basalt Tile area, which provides an excellent surface for manufacturers to carry out precise testing of their vehicle systems and allows drivers to experience vehicle control in slippery or split-grip conditions.

Rockingham says that the Wet Grip offers advanced test and demonstration facilities for a variety of groups, including vehicle manufacturers, automotive component suppliers, fleets, driver training organisations and many other transport-related businesses. As well as the serious testing and evaluation side, it is envisaged that there is great potential for the corporate market, offering a driving day out with a difference.