Tyres, Tyres, Tyres - Answers From The Webinar

[Midas]

In the recent Webinar Bob Laishley identified that Nova could be a supplier to Caterham in the future - what was unclear was whether the tyres would be 'affordable', now that Nova was an independent tyre company.  It is not known whether Avon had relied on cost subsidies when they were part of their recent American parent company.

Cost might not be a factor for the aftermarket buyer, but might influence their fitment as original equipment.

Edited March 1 by Midas

[JR9470]

On 28/02/2024 at 20:50, Midas said:

We had a lot of questions at the Webinar from members asking what Caterham was doing to replace Avon tyres on our cars. Simon Lambert has been back in touch and kindly provided the following table showing a read a cross from Avon to Toyo ....

CSR Tyres

As the CSR is still a product for Europe, selecting which of the Toyo options will be appropriate has a homologation impact which again makes things less straight-forward you would hope, so this remains TBA.

Looking forward to the CSR 15" numbers... I hope Nova will make the ZZS...

[Fridybrydy]

Good afternoon,

 

At present my 2003 R300 Superlight has Avon ZZS 185/55R13 on 6" rims on the front and Avon ZZS 215/55R13 on 8" wheels on the rear. Am I able to replace the rear tires only with Toyo Proxes R888R 205/60R13 as detailed in the table at the top of this topic

[Matt420R]

I took delivery of a new kit last Thu and was surprised to find it came with 15" Avon ZZS. Manufactured last July. The picking list suggests that they had 66 in stock at the time of picking!

[TJG]

I fitted Proxes R888R 195/50 15 to my 2008 metric chassis with standard stays. The tyres rubbed the stay and wing on one side only, removed wings and "realigned" the stay plus a small 5mm packer to raise wing and now all good. I suspect in true Caterham fashion others will have a different experience.

[Simon Orr]

On 29/02/2024 at 21:03, StevehS3 said:

I still feel unsure about fitting 205 width R888R tyres on 8x13” rear wheels. It is outside of Toyo’s Approved Rim Width and it seems 6x13” would be a better match. 

That's what I've done.  An engine upgrade has necessitated more rubber at the rear i.e. switch from 185/60/R13 all round to 205/60/R13 on the rear so am keeping 13 x 6 rims all round.  I just need to find the right code to recalibrate the speedo, can anyone help, has anyone worked it out yet?  Many thanks.

[Jonathan Kay]

25 minutes ago, Simon Orr said:

I just need to find the right code to recalibrate the speedo, can anyone help, has anyone worked it out yet? 

What sort of speedometer is it?

Jonathan

[TomB]

Any more news out there on what NOVA are going to do with the ZZS?

[StevehS3]

10 hours ago, TomB said:

Any more news out there on what NOVA are going to do with the ZZS?

I emailed them with that question and didn’t get a reply. 

[David JLM]

I spoke with the race team setting up my car who seemed to think Nova tyres were imminent - perhaps from speaking with optimistic people at Caterham. It's also what I've heard 'around' - likely just the same news being perpetuated in the 'paddock'. However, I don't believe it.

Setting up a new facility for commercial tyre production so quickly? Nah. Unless someone can point me to a production facility ready to go, I'd guess production was at least 12 months away with a strong chance of not at all, or they do get to start up then close quickly with production/market issues.

I want them to start up quickly and produce tyres that most of us want, and I'll be happy to eat my hat!

 

[Geoff Brown]

On the subject of NOVA. While spectating at the club TD novice day at Castle Combe I did notice an advertising banner on the infield opposite the start finish straight advertising NOVA.

The bridge still displays all the AVON advertising...........

[TomB]

NOVA are sponsoring the British Hillclimb Championship, saw lots of new AVON tyres at Harewood at the weekend.... 

Edited Friday at 08:46 by TomB

[Mcalvert]

4 hours ago, TomB said:

NOVA are sponsoring the British Hillclimb Championship, saw lots of new AVON tyres at Harewood at the weekend.... 

Yes - they have announced a five year tie-up which sounds promising.  Press release below:

 

Nova Motorsport upholds Avon tyres legacy in British Hillclimb
Championship as title sponsor and major tyre supplier

• Nova Motorsport, a new global tyre brand and the global supplier and licensed manufacturer of Avon Motorsport tyre products, signs a five-year title sponsor partnership with British Hillclimb Championship
• 30-round series officially named ‘Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport’ commences on 20 April 2024, continuing long-standing relationship established by Avon Motorsport 
• Partnership demonstrates Nova Motorsport’s commitment to hillclimbing and becoming the number one tyre choice for global motorsport and specialist high-performance, low-volume applications
• Nova Motorsport will supply Avon Motorsport tyres under the new partnership – with further new products set to be developed
• Media images available here

Nova Motorsport Commercial and Technical HQ, Holt, UK, 28 March 2024 – Nova Motorsport is proud to announce the signing of a landmark five-year strategic partnership with the prestigious Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship. The agreement delivers security of tyre supply for the championship and ensures the future of British hillclimbing.

Nova Motorsport is a new brand inspired by heritage and dedicated to technical excellence. Having acquired the assets of Avon Motorsport from Cooper Tire, Nova Motorsport builds on the rich legacy established by Avon Motorsport with the BHC – becoming the title sponsor of the championship. The series will be renamed the ‘Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport.’

Hillclimbing represents a key pillar of Nova Motorsport’s future strategy. The partnership further solidifies Nova Motorsport's dedication to multiple categories in global motorsport, including classic and historic endurance racing and rallycross – emphasising the brand’s resolve to deliver top-tier products and services to the racing community.

Nova Motorsport will be supported by BMTR, a long-standing partner of Avon Motorsport and now Nova Motorsport, as the official service provider and supplier of Avon Motorsport / Nova Motorsport tyres to the BHC.

Nova Motorsport's commitment to the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship extends beyond sponsorship. The brand is also dedicated to supplying Avon Motorsport products to the BHC and developing new products for future release. Building upon the relationship established between British hillclimbing and Avon Motorsport more than 35 years ago, Nova Motorsport is poised to continue the legacy of designing, developing, and manufacturing championship-winning hillclimb tyres.

A highly experienced contingent of former Avon Motorsport personnel with significant expertise in the BHC and developing hillclimb tyres has joined Nova Motorsport. This includes Jack Price, who served as Avon Motorsport Design Engineer and Design Manager for 12 years, and now becomes Nova Motorsport Product Category Manager.

Under the leadership of Nova Motorsport Commercial Director James Weekley, Price will spearhead Nova Motorsport’s product development and support within the BHC. His extensive experience in the championship will be instrumental in driving innovation and meeting competitors' evolving needs. The 30-round ‘Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport’ commences at Prescott on April 20/21, 2024.

Jack Price, Product Category Manager at Nova Motorsport, commented: "Hillclimbing holds a very special place in the hearts of everyone at Nova Motorsport. We are honoured to uphold the legacy of Avon Motorsport and continue its support for the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship with the announcement of Nova Motorsport as the title sponsor of the series for five years.

“This partnership not only reaffirms Nova Motorsport’s dedication to the sport; it also underscores our mission to provide the highest quality products and services to drivers and teams competing at the highest level.”

Tim Wilson, Championship Co-ordinator of the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship, commented: "Nova Motorsport's commitment to the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship is instrumental in helping us to drive towards a bright future for the sport. We are delighted to collaborate with a company that shares our passion for excellence and innovation."

Nova Motorsport aims to quickly establish its presence in global motorsport and the racing community. By concentrating exclusively on the historic and contemporary motorsport and specialist tyre sectors, the brand will leverage its extensive knowledge and expertise to create tyres to deliver success in ultra-demanding motorsport conditions.

The new company’s expertise will enable tailored tyre offerings to meet the specific needs of diverse racing categories. In addition, the brand is committed to substantial investments in research and development to ensure Nova Motorsport continues to supply exceptional products for those competing in disciplines such as hillclimbing, rallycross and historical and classic motorsport.

The Nova Motorsport team will attend the first round of the Motorsport UK British Hillclimb Championship presented by Nova Motorsport at Prescott on April 20/21, 2024. Look out for the 1960 Nova Motorsport AEC Routemaster bus and come along to say hello.

In the coming weeks, further announcements will be made detailing the brand’s products and partnerships.

For more information, visit www.novamotorsport.com or follow us on LinkedIn, X, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

ENDS

ABOUT NOVA MOTORSPORT
Nova Motorsport has been created to revolutionise the premium competition and specialist tyre industry. Headquartered in the UK, and bolstered by British heritage, global reach and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship, Nova Motorsport is dedicated to creating a range of superior premium competition and specialist tyres that create unforgettable experiences on the racetrack and beyond.