Millbrook, a UK-based independent vehicle test, validation and engineering facility, is working to attract motorsport teams to take advantage of its multiple test tracks for a variety of race car testing and set-up opportunities.
Increasingly, Millbrook has been attracting motorsport teams running closed-cockpit cars, keen to undertake specific forms of testing that do not warrant the use of a dedicated race circuit. According to the facility, the variety of tracks it offers, which include the high speed circuit, a mile straight and handling track, provide a ‘wealth of environments well-suited’ to testing aspects of high-performance racing cars.
“Not all motorsport testing needs to take place in a traditional motor circuit environment,” stated Nick Wignall, manager, tracks at Millbrook. “Clients may have new components that need shaking-down or testing, which might range from putting miles on a new engine or gearbox in a steady and controlled environment, to testing chassis and suspension set-ups and electrical systems, and data-logging. The mile straight is very useful for closed cockpit cars to undertake start and launch control tests as well brake testing.”
Crucially, Millbrook provides the opportunity to conduct race car testing in a more controlled private environment, which is hard to replicate on traditional race circuits without either encountering other track users or incurring expensive private hire costs.
“Teams, engineers and drivers love the fact that it’s easy to set consistent speeds on the high speed circuit, and that extreme acceleration and braking can be undertaken in a very safe environment on the mile straight without fear of hindering other track users,” continued Wignall. “That’s a really compelling reason to use Millbrook for testing and to enable driver familiarisation. We are keen to point out that we are not set-up for – or aim to provide – a traditional circuit environment for high speed lapping, but it’s clear that not all testing needs that environment to be effective.”
Another highly attractive aspect of track hire at Millbrook is the ability to hire only the specific facilities required and to make use those facilities at a very cost-effective, hourly rate for the chosen period. The tracks are located just off the M1 motorway in Bedfordshire.
