Cadwell Park extends Barn Corner run-off
MotorSport Vision has completed a major circuit improvement project at Cadwell Park, extending the run-off area at Barn Corner to provide increased safety for competitors using the Lincolnshire circuit.
Ahead of its busiest ever season in 2010, which will feature two rounds of the 2010 MCE British Superbike Championship, Cadwell Park staff and specialist contractors GBM have realigned the barrier along an 80 metre stretch on the exit of Barn Corner, increasing the run-off width at the edge of the circuit beyond the exit of Barn corner from one metre to five metres to provide a uniform depth.
The project was particularly difficult because the barrier's previous position had been constrained by the presence of a lake beyond it, preventing further displacement. A major ground works project involved filling in a large part of the lake with 4200 tonnes of material, which needed to be virgin soil to avoid any environmental impact, and then building this up to track level. The Armco barrier was then removed and re-installed on the newly reclaimed ground.
The increased run-off area will offer greater protection for riders and drivers at that part of the circuit, and changes to the area will also provide better views of Barn Corner for fans from nearby spectator banking.
The run-off extension at Barn Corner is part of an ongoing commitment by MSV to improve Cadwell Park safety and facilities, following similar run-off development projects at the Hairpin and Chris Curve.
"Everyone in our sport knows of the inherent risks but Stuart Higgs, BSB Series Director, and I are always eager to improve safety wherever we can on MSV circuits," said Jonathan Palmer, chief executive of MotorSport Vision.
"The run-off extension work at Barn Corner was something we had wanted to do and the second Cadwell Park BSB round provided the opportunity to commit to further investment. With our busiest ever calendar in 2010, the changes will also give fans an even better view of the fantastic racing at Cadwell Park."
Rob McElnea, team principal of British Superbike team Motorpoint Yamaha, praised the improvements.
"It looks like MSV has done the impossible again. As with the Hairpin, where it was always said it couldn't be done, they've made a great improvement at Barn Corner that has been long overdue," he added.
