Avon Tyres is to link up with ex-Formula 1 driver, David Brabham, as an official partner in the new MSA British Race Elite programme. The initiative, launched at the Autosport International Show, is designed to offer selected promising young British racing drivers the chance to develop their skills by giving technical insights into every aspect of motor racing, from tyre technology to physical fitness and mind coaching.
Michelin has launched the Pilot Road 2, unveiling its latest dual compound offering at the Motorcycle Trade Expo at Stoneleigh Park. The French manufacturer claims that its latest product means riders no longer have to compromise between wet grip and tread life. Michelin hopes results of tests conducted by CERM will help convince retailers and the motorcycle riding public of this.
With a schedule of races expanded to 14 and key support status alongside the prestigious British F3 and British GT Championships, the Avon-sponsored Superlight Challenge is attracting not only returning competitors but also fresh faces rising from the ranks of the Roadsport Challenge.
Michelin Tyre plc has launched the Pilot Road 2, unveiling its latest dual compound offering at the Motorcycle Trade Expo at Stoneleigh park. The French manufacturer claims that its latest product means riders no longer have to compromise between wet grip and tread life. Michelin hopes results of tests conducted by CERM will help convince retailers and the motorcycle riding public of this.
Avon Tyres have the potential to become part of a new world record as British Autograss champion Phil Cooper prepares to smash his own existing indoor world speed record at the Autosport International show on January 13/14.
In December, Cooper, who holds the distinction of being Overall Series Points Champion in all classes of the 2006 British Autograss Series, set a record of 82.05mph on a 210-metre track at the NEC in Birmingham, the same venue as he will make his current attempt.
In keeping with the company’s aims to reintroduce discontinued tyres for motoring enthusiasts, Vintage Tyre Supplies has announced that original equipment replacement Land Rover tyres are now available in 600-16C 6pr at £129.50 and 700-16C 6pr at £135.50 (plus VAT). The Avon Traction Mileage cross-ply tyre was developed for serious off-road work and features rugged shoulder buttresses for even traction.
A “flood of illegal Chinese and Indian-made tyres” has caused two influential Indonesian tyre manufacturers to close. Aziz Pane, head of the Association of Indonesia Tire Companies told local newspapers that PT Intirub and PT Mega Safe Factory were the first casualties.
In 2004 PT Intirub (Indonesian Tire & Rubber Works Ltd) ran three factories and manufactured approximately 3.5 million radial and bias tyres. Around 66 per cent of production was described as “internationally competitive” and the management had previously described Great Britain as one of its markets. In 1995 the company established a technology cooperation with Cooper-Avon and, two years later began producing radial tyres. E-marking and ISO 9002 followed shortly afterwards.
Avon has launched a new website, www.avonmotorcycle.com, designed to provide riders with all the information they need to make an informed tyre purchase. The backbone of the site is a comprehensive and easy-to-use fitment guide, which confirms correct tyre sizes and lists approved Avon fitments. Once armed with these options, it’s simply a matter of typing in a postcode to locate Avon’s nearest UK dealer.
In 2007 the Caterham Superlight Challenge, will receive headline sponsorship from Avon Tyres in 2007. The championship – styled The Avon Tyres Caterham Superlight Challenge – will once again enjoy key support event status at rounds of the British Formula 3 International Series and the Avon Tyres British GT Championship.
Cooper Tires has been confirmed as the sole supplier of rubber for Western Power Distribution’s fleet of Ford Ranger 4×4 vehicles. The fleet of 80 vehicles will be fitted with Cooper Discoverer ST tyres, helping WPD to service its 2.5 million customers in South West England and Wales. The contract is Cooper’s first with a major UK utility company.
Avon Tyres has been confirmed as the official tyre supplier for the Morgan Motor Company’s newest offering, the revamped Aero 8. The £62,500 Aero 8, developed and honed on the racetrack, was launched in 2000, but now features a restyled front end, and has lost weight. At just 1145kg, the lightweight machine’s performance is hugely impressive, with its 4.4-litre V8 powerplant pushing out 325bhp. Morgan will fit Avon’s ZZ3 to the Aero 8, (225/40R18 92Y on the front and 245/40R18 97Y on the rear).
Since Corby Developments Limited acquired the majority shareholding in the Rockingham racing circuit in late 2005, it has implemented a £5 million development plan to give the circuit a major makeover. Billing itself as “Europe’s fastest motor racing circuit” – a claim based on the fact that in 2001 Tony Kanaan went round Rockingham’s 1.5 mile oval in 24.719 seconds in his Ford/Lola Champ car – the scope of the facilities now available at Rockingham has attracted a number of events. This year the circuit has already hosted the Avon-sponsored British GT, 2006 Pickup Truck Racing Championship, SCSA Third Round and the Rockingham VSR Championship.
ATS Euromaster has secured one of the largest tyre supply and management contracts awarded in 2006 after winning a three year deal with Fraikin. The contract includes the majority of the 14,000 vehicles under Fraikin’s management, ranging from small vans and rigids to 44 tonne tractor units and trailers. ATS Euromaster secured the contract – estimated to be worth approximately £3 million a year – after carrying out a complete review of Fraikin’s requirements.
Cooper Tire & Rubber Europe launched its Weathermaster Snow winter tyre in May 2006 ready for the winter selling season. This T-speed rated tyre is available in 21 sizes, covering 13 – 160-inhc rim diameters. The broad range of sizes fit many small and medium cars from the new Peugeot 107 to Ford Focus and VW Golf.
Cooper will be unveiling its new run-flat technology at the Essen show. The Cooper Zeon 2XS run-flat tyre is designed and manufactured to handle typical air loss situations, allowing motorists to drive on safely for up to 50 miles to their destination or suitable service station. Cooper Tire will be at stand 3-322, exhibiting products including Cooper, Avon and Mickey Thompson tyres.
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