Penske Racing Shocks, a premier supplier of damper technology for Formula One, is to open a dedicated UK service and support facility within Bicester Motion, the 444-acre future mobility estate in Oxfordshire, UK in the heart of Britain’s Motorsport Valley.
Penske Racing Shocks (PRS) was founded in Reading, Pennsylvania, US in 1988 when the need for a higher-performing shock absorber was identified by the Penske Racing Indy Car team. Today it is the industry leader in providing high-quality racing shocks for automotive vehicles, motorcycles, and off-road vehicles.
Penske Racing Shocks has grown to over 50 employees in the US. They are diversified to support competitors in every discipline and level in professional motorsport worldwide. These have included Formula 1, NASCAR, Indy Car, IMSA, American Flat Track, FIA World Endurance, Short Track, NHRA, PDRA, SCCA, Australian Touring Cars, BTCC, Moto GP, and many more.
Penske Racing Shocks maintains a fleet of full-time race support vehicles and an at-race technical support staff in all professional series. An extensive worldwide network has helped with growth and PRS now has six distributors on four continents.
Penske Racing Shocks has taken Building 143 which totals 850 sq ft (79 sq m) on a five year lease for its UK team.
This strategically located centre will provide Penske Racing Shocks’ F1 customers with comprehensive services which will include advanced technical support, training, on-site servicing, emergency spare parts, and seasonal design assistance. The facility will also showcase Penske Racing Shocks’ cutting-edge S-link damper dynos for hands-on demonstrations and use.
Jim Arentz, technical director and Formula One customer liaison, Penske Racing Shocks said: "Our commitment to providing top-tier products and support to Formula One teams has driven us to this strategic expansion. Establishing a UK-based technical support office is a natural step, one we've been planning for years. With the 2026 regulations approaching, the pace of development for next-generation cars will only intensify. By setting up local support, we aim to reduce response time and minimize risks for our teams, helping them stay competitive in this fast-paced environment."
"Choosing Bicester Motion was a straightforward decision. This site is a motorsport and automotive hub, home to businesses and artisans serving everything from Formula One to vintage racing. It’s an ideal setting for our expansion and highly convenient for our teams - most are less than an hour away. Real innovation and strong relationships grow through in-person interactions, not just video calls. Being closer to our UK clients offers tremendous value, and this move aligns with Penske Racing Shocks’ longstanding reputation for responsiveness and convenience, established at our U.S. headquarters."
Aaron Lambert, Penske Racing Shocks general manager added: “This step has been a long time in the making. We’ve always had a strong customer base in the UK, and a local facility has been a key goal to better serve our F1 clients, as well as other customers and dealers. Bicester Motion is an inspiring setting, and our connections with Dr. Robin Tuluie and PhysicsX facilitated this opportunity. We’re looking forward to our grand opening and to utilising the space for 2026 F1 design and support.”
Daniel Geoghegan, chief executive, Bicester Motion said: “We warmly welcome the US Penske Racing Shocks team to Bicester Motion’s thriving automotive community. They are a global brand and choosing to locate themselves in the heart of Motorsport Valley on the doorstep of our many F1 teams, is an honour. Their must-have shocks are in many of the great motorsport teams across so many formulas and series. We are thrilled to have them join us and wish them success in their opening and continued growth in the UK and beyond.”
The Bicester office is due to open in January 2025 and will be ready just in time for the season’s initial car tests and will be initially staffed by expert Penske Racing Shocks personnel from the USA.
