The engines have left the circuit, the grandstands are empty and the roar of blasting exhausts has given way to peace and quiet. The 92nd edition of the TT is over and so it’s time to clean things up. And that’s where Reinier van Lacum, head of the technical service of the TT circuit, comes into play. Together with his team, he ensures that the track is spic and span again in no time.
“It is quite an operation to get rid of all those stalls from companies. Some companies arrive a week in advance to set up everything and have been busy since yesterday afternoon to clear everything up as quickly as possible,” says Van Lacum.
There is some pressure behind it, because the next race on the circuit is already on the program on Friday. “The entire paddock must be empty by Wednesday at the latest and then it will be rebuilt with man and power on Thursday for Friday’s race.”
For Van Lacum, a lot will come at him in the coming days. “You can call me for almost anything, because I know a little bit about everything. Where the toilets will be placed, right down to laying internet cables. Every year we know roughly what is coming our way, but every year there are surprises to stand.”
He therefore occasionally feels like a guest in his own home. “Sometimes I am surprised to see the installations and equipment that certain companies come up with, but at the same time that makes the work a lot of fun,” laughs Van Lacum.
Because this year too it was great fun for the head of technical services. “Fortunately we have not had to deal with major calamities, it all went smoothly.”
Watch the video about cleaning the TT circuit below: