Nova Motorsport has announced the hiring of experienced tyre expert Ken Payne to lead its North America operations and bring the Avon Motorsport and Nova branded tyres to new customers.
James Weekley, Nova Motorsport Commercial Director, said: “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.
“When it was announced that Avon Motorsport operations were closing, many people racing and winning on Avon tyres were understandably worried that they would not have access to those products again. Now, Ken is here to assist our dealer partners in conveying the message that Avon Motorsport products are back and that the exciting new Nova Motorsport tyre range will arrive there soon.”
Newly appointed Nova Motorsport Director of North America, Ken Payne commented: “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.”
Under Payne’s guidance, Nova Motorsport will focus on meeting the needs of members of the historic motorsport, hillclimb and Rallycross communities in North America. His first official appearance in his new role will be at the Classic 12 Hour at Sebring this weekend 6-9 March.
Nova Motorsport purchased the assets, IP, processes and equipment of Avon Motorsport operation. To ensure the highest possible levels of consistent manufacturing quality and product performance at its new manufacturing facility, Nova Motorsport transported 200 lorries of equipment from the former Avon factory in Melksham in the UK, to its comprehensively refurbished manufacturing facility in Portugal.
Nova Motorsport has recreated the championship-winning compounds previously created by Avon in Melksham by utilising state-of-the-art mixing facilities. The brand adheres to the same stringent testing procedures and specifically designed lab test methods and uses the same technology, procedures, molds and materials originally deployed by Avon Motorsport.
