High-performance trench drain solution for upgraded racing facility
Modern motorsport demands more than speed alone. Track safety, surface reliability and water management all play a critical role in maintaining competitive racing conditions.
The Navarra racing circuit in Los Arcos recently underwent a major upgrade aimed at improving both performance and driver safety. The renovation expanded the track to expanded the track to 2.7 miles, including a new 2,130-foot section and included full track resurfacing throughout the circuit.
These improvements introduced faster racing lines, new elevation transitions and reprofiled turns, making efficient surface water drainage a critical part of the project
Track drainage plays a critical role in race safety
On high-speed circuits, uncontrolled surface water can quickly compromise vehicle control and tire grip. Effective drainage infrastructure is essential to reduce hydroplaning risk and maintain safe racing conditions during wet weather.
When rain hits the track, drainage becomes a key safety factor
— José Luis Berné, Deputy Director of Operations, Navarra Circuit:
“On high-speed racing circuits, proper water evacuation is essential for maintaining safe track conditions during storms. Trench drain systems evacuate water from the racing surface quickly, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and loss of vehicle control. By improving surface safety and stability, these systems help keep racing operations running safely and with fewer interruptions.”
To address these operational challenges, the project incorporated ULMA’s KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL monolithic trench drains, engineered specifically for demanding motorsport environments.
Engineered for durability and hydraulic performance
The trench drains are manufactured from polymer concrete as a single-piece monolithic structure that combines both the trench drain and grate into one integrated unit.
This design delivers superior structural strength while eliminating the possibility of loose grates or detached components caused by vibration, braking forces or continuous heavy traffic.
Benefits of KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL for racing circuits
- Integrated monolithic structure for enhanced operational safety.
- MAX-FLOW® intake technology designed to improve water capture efficiency and accelerate runoff evacuation.
- Faster surface drainage to help reduce hydroplaning hazards.
- Self-cleaning hydraulic action that helps prevent sediment accumulation.
- Heavy-duty monolithic drainage system engineered for extreme racing environments and compliant with ADA & AASHTO requirements.
- Long-term durability under repeated mechanical and environmental stress.
What are you working on? Get in touch, and together we’ll find the drainage solution you need.
MAX-FLOW® technology improves drainage capacity
Testing performed at ULMA’s hydraulic testing laboratory and verified by Tecnun Engineering School demonstrated that MAX-FLOW® technology can increase both water velocity and overall drainage performance by as much as 30%.
This enhanced hydraulic capacity helps keep the racing surface operational and safer during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to Álex Gutiérrez from ULMA Engineering:
“Developing the MAX-FLOW® system required years of hydraulic research and testing focused on improving drainage efficiency under extreme conditions.”
MAX-FLOW® technology can increase both water velocity and overall drainage performance by as much as 30%.
Engineering support throughout the project
ULMA’s engineering team worked closely on the hydraulic design and installation strategy for the circuit redevelopment.
The project included detailed analysis of trench drain positioning, pavement integration, curved sections and compatibility with track infrastructure in order to optimise installation efficiency and long-term system performance.
Today, the upgraded Navarra circuit combines speed, technical performance and safety with drainage infrastructure engineered to perform reliably under the most demanding racing conditions.
Contact ULMA’s engineering team
Project Details:
Project: Navarra Circuit Modernization – Los Arcos
Engineering: EPTISA
Construction contractor: OBRAS ESPECIALES (Obenasa)
Drainage system: KOMPAQDRAIN® CIVIL 200 - KVF200.10R with AKVF200MF10RS + AKVF200B inspection chambers
Installed quantity: 2,421 linear feet
