Grovebury Road, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire, LU7 4SQ, UK +44 (0)1525 382 135 enquiries@roadgrip.co.uk

Roadgrip Motorsport completed another successful project close to home at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, preparing the track for the European Le Mans Series.

Our scope of work included installing the sporting lines, refreshing the edge lanes, and applying the pitlane sponsor logo for Goodyear. Once the race concluded, our team returned to remove the Goodyear branding from the pitlane using our ultra-high-pressure (UHP) water jet machines, restoring the asphalt to its original, high-performance condition.

The technical challenge of paint removal

Removing sponsor logos and temporary race markings requires more than simply “cleaning” a surface. The challenge lies in removing thick, multi-layered paint films without damaging the delicate microtexture of the asphalt. That microtexture is critical, as it provides the microscopic peaks and valleys that create friction between tyre and track, directly affecting braking, grip, and driver confidence.

Roadgrip’s UHP technology operates at pressures up to 40,000 psi, with precision-engineered nozzles directing a fan or oscillating jet of water across the paint film. The pressure is strong enough to shear the paint away but calibrated to avoid cutting into the bitumen binder or aggregate below.

The process is controlled via advanced pumping systems and flow regulators that allow us to adjust water velocity and coverage to suit the paint thickness and surface type.

Sustainability and surface protection

Another key advantage of UHP removal is that it requires no chemicals or abrasives. The system uses only clean water, which is immediately vacuumed back into the vehicle, filtered, and recycled for continuous use. This closed-loop system minimises environmental impact, reduces water consumption, and keeps the work area safe and dry for other trackside operations.

By avoiding abrasive blasting or mechanical grinding, the UHP process also extends the lifespan of the asphalt surface. Preserving the aggregate’s sharp edges is essential for grip, especially on braking zones where safety margins are smallest.

The Roadgrip fleet

To deliver work like this consistently around the world, Roadgrip maintains a dedicated fleet of paint and rubber removal vehicles. Each machine is housed, serviced, and calibrated in the UK before being containerised for safe shipping to international clients. The fleet is designed for versatility, tackling not just race tracks but also airports where rubber build-up on touchdown zones is a major safety hazard, and on highways, where removing old markings prevents driver confusion and restores clarity.

The containerisation system is engineered to be space-optimised: each unit fits securely into standard containers without wasted space, ensuring safe and efficient logistics. This means our vehicles can arrive ready for deployment at short notice, anywhere in the world.

By combining advanced UHP equipment with decades of motorsport experience, our team ensures circuits are not only ready for world-class events like the European Le Mans, but also preserved and protected for their long-term use.

Contact us to find out more.