First, Formula E chose Acorn to supply a range of temporary infrastructure at the inaugural London E Prix, which took place in Battersea Park. The layout of the London park, and in particular the tree-lined avenues that made up the circuit, led the organiser to choose tiered viewing platforms instead of traditional grandstand seating. Acorn provided 50 viewing platforms, totaling over 4,000m2 and providing enhanced viewing positions for 12,000 spectators.
To allow spectators across the track and into the infield, Acorn supplied six pedestrian bridges at strategic points around the circuit. Utilising the Layher Bridging System, each bridge had a unique configuration, the largest of which spanned over 31m directly above one of the tracks chicanes. Acorn also provided 1,200 full-compliant access steps to all bridges and viewing platforms along with 5,000m2 of netting material to aesthetically dress the structures.
In line with the green credentials of the series, all equipment was delivered using Acorn's newest Euro 6 specification tractor units, crew utilised public transport to travel to and from the venue and 100% of the equipment deployed for the event will return to rental stocks.
Meanwhile, in the West Sussex countryside, Acorn was also gearing up for another major motor sport event, the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This was the seventh year that Acorn have provided structures for the event, ranging from wheelchair user platforms right up to two-storey exhibition and hospitality pavilions.
2015 represented Acorn's busiest year at the event to date, delivering structures for Goodwood itself as well as manufacturers including Audi, Bentley, Citroen, Mazda, Porsche, Toyota and Vauxhall.
(Lee Baldock)