Say goodbye to cheap 10" track tyres

[Mini-geek]

I've always used the A032R tyres costing about £70 each made them a really cheap option...
You will get a shock if you plan to buy some for Blyton because they are now £120 each... Making them quite an expensive option considering how long they last, I think I'll be switching to the even more expensive but longer lasting Avons..

[Fanfaniracing]

Why did they become so expensive?!?

[Mini-geek]

Why did they become so expensive?!?

Like everything else I guess

[Fanfaniracing]

But almost the double?!?

Fortunately i ordered a Set last autumn...

[Brynmor]

I've always used the A032R tyres costing about £70 each made them a really cheap option...
You will get a shock if you plan to buy some for Blyton because they are now £120 each... Making them quite an expensive option considering how long they last, I think I'll be switching to the even more expensive but longer lasting Avons..

Unfortunately the Avon’s will stop come end of the year when the factory closes. Currently in a real tricky place the 10” tyre World, we’ve a bunch of customers who’s choice is becoming very limited to the point we’re looking at what we can arrange ourselves.

[Mini-geek]

I've always used the A032R tyres costing about £70 each made them a really cheap option...
You will get a shock if you plan to buy some for Blyton because they are now £120 each... Making them quite an expensive option considering how long they last, I think I'll be switching to the even more expensive but longer lasting Avons..

Unfortunately the Avon’s will stop come end of the year when the factory closes. Currently in a real tricky place the 10” tyre World, we’ve a bunch of customers who’s choice is becoming very limited to the point we’re looking at what we can arrange ourselves.

Has this now been confirmed because I understood it as they were just moving production abroad?

I asked nankang if they had and interest in making the Ar-1 on 10" they said they'd love to but the market isn't there (or words to that effect)

[timmy201]

I always thought it was bizarre that it was cheaper for us (in Australia) to buy Japanese made Yokohama tyres from the UK and then ship them back here, compared to buying them locally

[mab01uk]

I asked nankang if they had and interest in making the Ar-1 on 10" they said they'd love to but the market isn't there (or words to that effect)

Tyre price rise of 33% in two years (Sep 2022):-
https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/fleet- ... -two-years

The 10" tyre market must be very small now for the big tyre companies and small production volumes in addition to rising material, labour and transport costs usually mean higher prices.

[850RS]

The Hoosier tires for the Mini racers here in the US just had a price increase as well. Now $240 per tire. They were $215, so not as big of a jump as the Yokos.

[mk1]

This is a situation that will only get worse. It's why it is such a shame that when small independent firms like Blockley don't get the support they deserve when they invest in producing a decent product.

[wantafaster1]

Actually Mark I kind of asked that question of someone who sponsor a mini championship, could Blockley make them in a race compound?

Goodyear bought Cooper Avon.

[tweedy998]

This is a situation that will only get worse. It's why it is such a shame that when small independent firms like Blockley don't get the support they deserve when they invest in producing a decent product.

Completely agree Mark. We've found the Blockley's a great road tyre on the 998 Cooper. I wonder if they could possibly produce a more track orientated tyre in a sticky modern compound but with a period looking tread patten?

[wantafaster1]

How solid is the sidewall on a Blockley, stiffer than Yoko?

[Old English White]

I have no need of competition tyres but I have found Julian at Blockley tyres to be very approachable and enthusiastic. Perhaps somebody should have a word with him?

[Polarsilver]

My opinion is the Blockley 165x10 Sidewall seems a bit soft before they went onto the rim in comparison to the Yokos that came off .. but then i have not used the Blockley on the road as yet

[Brynmor]

I've always used the A032R tyres costing about £70 each made them a really cheap option...
You will get a shock if you plan to buy some for Blyton because they are now £120 each... Making them quite an expensive option considering how long they last, I think I'll be switching to the even more expensive but longer lasting Avons..

Unfortunately the Avon’s will stop come end of the year when the factory closes. Currently in a real tricky place the 10” tyre World, we’ve a bunch of customers who’s choice is becoming very limited to the point we’re looking at what we can arrange ourselves.

Has this now been confirmed because I understood it as they were just moving production abroad?

I asked nankang if they had and interest in making the Ar-1 on 10" they said they'd love to but the market isn't there (or words to that effect)

Yes it’s confirmed, there’s currently no intention to take the moulds. It’s hugely sad for all involved (especially those losing jobs). I did several of the initial tests on Cooper Gravel Tyres and they’ve become hugely popular but to Goodyear it’s all about volume.

[phil82]

So no more historic Avon racing tires in general?
I guess the 10“ tire for the Mini would be a smaller loss compared to the overall effect to the historic racing scene.
I guess we could swap from Avon to American Racer or Hoosier…
But when I read that Goodyear is not taking the moulds couldn‘t Blockley step in and produce our next favorite Mini track tire based on the old Avon?? Maybe with some support from the Community - like croud funding??

[Julian Harber]

The Dunlop Slicks I use are now £194 thats £20 more than last season but still cheaper than the Hoosier which relies on $ to £ rate of exchange

[Brynmor]

So no more historic Avon racing tires in general?
I guess the 10“ tire for the Mini would be a smaller loss compared to the overall effect to the historic racing scene.
I guess we could swap from Avon to American Racer or Hoosier…
But when I read that Goodyear is not taking the moulds couldn‘t Blockley step in and produce our next favorite Mini track tire based on the old Avon?? Maybe with some support from the Community - like croud funding??

None at all, lots of the Road Rally boys with Escorts have run Turbospeeds for years and are pondering what to use.
The loss of the factory is huge to Motorsport across the board, I’m not sure people have realised.

[sclemow]

As you say Brynmor the loss of the Avon factory is a huge loss, it's all of the historic competition tyres and all hillclimb and sprint compound slicks.
With Pirelli not making any slicks this year either this has thrown the cat amongst the pigeons with the slick shod hillclimb cars to say the least!

Hopefully there will be some choice in the 10's. I run A008's as I have to run list 1A tyres on it, but they aren't as good as the A032's.