Nova Motorsport has marked a significant milestone with the production of the first Avon Motorsport ACB9 Formula Ford and Avon Traction Mileage classic Land Rover tyres at its newly refurbished manufacturing facility in Portugal. The factory, located in Palmeira, occupies the site of the former Camac tyre factory, which Nova Motorsport acquired in May 2024.
The Avon Motorsport ACB9 tyre, a multi-championship-winning staple in Formula Ford racing since the mid-1980s, has been brought back to life through the meticulous efforts of Nova Motorsport’s Research and Development team in Portugal. Intensive rig and track testing have been completed to ensure that the new production matches the exemplary performance and quality of the original ACB9. To further validate the tyre’s performance, Nova Motorsport’s Trackside Engineering Team will soon begin additional track testing in the UK with leading Formula Ford drivers.
The rapid reintroduction of the ACB9 underscores Nova Motorsport's commitment to meeting the needs of dealers and competitors who have long relied on Avon Motorsport’s renowned products. Full-scale production of the ACB9 is scheduled to commence in Q4 2024, with availability through Nova Motorsport’s global dealer network.
In addition to the ACB9, Nova Motorsport has also revived the Avon Traction Mileage tyre, an iconic product originally fitted as standard equipment on the first Land Rover models from mid-1949. The Traction Mileage tyre is the authentic choice for Land Rover Series I to III vehicles and is cherished by classic vehicle enthusiasts. On-road and off-road trials of the tyre are set to begin shortly, with full-scale production also expected in Q4 2024. This tyre will be supplied exclusively by British company Vintage Tyres, which specialises in period-correct tyres for vintage vehicles.
Nova Motorsport’s commitment to reviving these iconic tyres is backed by a significant €20 million investment in the expansion, refurbishment, and modernisation of the Camac tyre factory. The site now has the capacity to produce up to 500,000 tyres annually, encompassing the relaunched Avon Motorsport tyres, Camac’s historic vehicle-focused products, and a new line-up of Nova Motorsport tyres.
To ensure the highest standards of quality, Nova Motorsport transported 200 lorries of equipment from Avon’s former factory in Melksham, UK, to the new facility in Portugal. The state-of-the-art mixing facilities at the new plant have been designed to recreate the championship-winning compounds originally produced in Melksham. By adhering to Avon’s stringent testing procedures, lab test methods, and utilising the same technology, moulds, and materials, Nova Motorsport is committed to maintaining the legacy of the Avon brand.
James Weekley, Commercial Director of Nova Motorsport, expressed his enthusiasm for the project:
"When Nova Motorsport launched in January, the brand set an aggressive timeline to relaunch key products from the Avon Motorsport tyre portfolio of identical quality and performance standards. Acquiring the Camac tyre factory in May further underlined our commitment and ambition. Now, the production of the first Avon ACB9 competition tyre and the first Avon Traction Mileage in Portugal is proof positive for our dealers, customers, and stakeholders that we are firmly on track to bring the products they rely on back into full-scale production in record time."
Looking ahead, Nova Motorsport is set to begin full-scale production of the Avon CR6ZZ classic street-legal performance and competition radial tyre, along with a core Nova Motorsport Rallycross range and additional Autocross products in Q4 2024. By Q1 2025, production will expand to include the Avon ACB10 Sport tyre, various Avon Historic Competition ranges, 60 Avon Hillclimb products, and the first contemporary Nova Motorsport Circuit Racing tyres.
Nova Motorsport’s dedication to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction is clear as it embarks on this ambitious journey to revive and expand the Avon Motorsport range. Further developments and product releases are expected in the coming months.
For more information, visit www.novamotorsport.com.
