Ken Payne Joins Nova Motorsport to Lead North American Expansion

Nova Motorsport has announced the appointment of Ken Payne, a seasoned tyre expert, to head its North American operations. Payne will play a pivotal role in bringing both the Avon Motorsport and Nova branded tyres to new customers across the region.

Bringing Experience and Passion to the Role

James Weekley, Nova Motorsport Commercial Director, commented on the appointment:

"With almost 40 years’ experience as an engineer, commercial director and leader in the tyre business, Ken needs little introduction in motorsport circles in the US. We are delighted to have him on board to help reinvigorate the Avon Motorsport product ranges and establish the Nova Motorsport name in North America, using his experience not only as a tyre industry doyen, but also as a competitor and racer."

Payne's extensive background as both a motorsport participant and industry professional makes him a strong asset for Nova Motorsport's expansion strategy. His work will focus on supporting dealer partners and conveying the message that Avon Motorsport products are back on the market, with the new Nova Motorsport tyre range set to launch soon.

Ken Payne: "This is About Racers Making Tyres for Racers"

Expressing his enthusiasm, Ken Payne said:

"I am so excited to be helping bring Avon Motorsport tyres back to North America and to introduce the Nova Motorsport products with our dealers also. I have raced cars for over 40 years, and I love that Nova Motorsport has been founded to only sell motorsport and specialist tyres, often serving niche series and vehicles that other manufacturers wouldn’t consider. This is no marketing operation for a road car division, this is highly knowledgeable and experienced motorsport obsessives making tyres for racers and that is why I have joined them."

Focusing on Niche Markets

Under Payne's leadership, Nova Motorsport will focus on meeting the needs of the historic motorsport, hillclimb, and Rallycross communities in North America. His first official engagement in his new role will be at the Classic 12 Hour at Sebring, taking place from 6-9 March.

A Strategic Move Following Avon Motorsport's Closure

Following the closure of Avon Motorsport operations, many racers who had relied on Avon tyres were concerned about continued access to the products. Nova Motorsport aims to fill this gap. The company acquired the assets, intellectual property, processes, and equipment of the former Avon Motorsport operation, moving 200 lorries of equipment from Avon’s Melksham factory in the UK to its revamped manufacturing facility in Portugal.

Nova Motorsport is committed to maintaining the quality and performance associated with Avon Motorsport. The company employs state-of-the-art mixing facilities and adheres to rigorous testing procedures to recreate the championship-winning compounds previously produced by Avon.

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