Nova Motorsport is continuing to develop its own competition tyre range with the ZZXC, a tyre designed specifically for the demands of mixed-surface Cross Car competition. Having returned several Avon Motorsport products to production since its formation in 2024, the British company has now taken a further step with its first tyre conceived, developed and manufactured entirely under the Nova Motorsport name.

The ZZXC expands a range already established in rallycross and autocross. Its development has focused on the specific requirements of Cross Car racing, where starts, braking, high slip angles and constant changes in grip demand different compromises to those found in other off-road categories.

Nova Motorsport has opted for clearly distinct front and rear tyre designs. At the front, the directional tread features an arrow-shaped central block, flanked by larger blocks to better manage the loads generated by aggressive steering inputs and changes of direction. At the rear, the tyre uses an asymmetrical profile, with larger blocks on the outer shoulder to improve wear resistance and a more open inner tread to promote traction.

Tyre pressure is another key part of the ZZXC’s operating window. At lower pressures, the tyre adopts a flatter profile suited to dry conditions. Increasing the pressure creates a more rounded profile for wet or muddy tracks, allowing the open tread blocks to bite into the surface more effectively while helping to clear mud. Nova also says the design is suited to the low camber settings generally used on Cross Car chassis.

Philip Carder, Product Category Manager at Nova Motorsport, says the project was never intended to be an adaptation of an existing product.

“The Nova ZZXC is the first tyre that Nova Motorsport has taken through the entire development process, from identifying competitors’ needs and the initial design through to engineering, manufacturing, track testing and, very soon, production. From the outset, we were determined to create a genuine Cross Car tyre capable of delivering a new level of performance, rather than adapting a product designed for another discipline. Cross Car places specific demands on a tyre in terms of acceleration, braking, slip angles and constantly changing surfaces.”

“That is why we deliberately gave the front and rear tyres different characteristics. The rear design is particularly innovative: it combines traction and durability with the ability to alter its operating profile through tyre pressure. At the front, the driver gets the directional precision and confidence they expect. Durability is also essential, as a Cross Car tyre can often be damaged before its tread is worn out. We have therefore also worked on robustness and resistance to damage.”

The first tests were carried out at Circuit Parc de la Serra in Mollerussa, Spain, with three-time FIA European Cross Car Champion David Méat. The programme covered start-line traction, acceleration, braking, steering response, cornering behaviour and tyre durability, with direct comparisons against established rival products in the Cross Car market.

“Testing the tyre on such a demanding circuit and in extreme conditions left no room for chance,” said David Méat. “From the first run, it was a proper test, and I was impressed by the way the tyre responded. The rear tread design is unlike anything currently available in Cross Car. It is a completely new approach, and the reasoning behind it becomes clear as soon as you drive the car.”

“The traction off the start was particularly strong, which gave me a lot of confidence both through the corners and into the braking zones. There was plenty of lateral grip when the tyre was loaded up, and the overall assessment is very encouraging for the first test of a completely new product.”

Olivier Barré then continued the validation process in competition conditions during the sixth round of the French Autocross and Sprint Car Championship at Is-sur-Tille. According to Nova Motorsport, he set the fastest times in the Super Sprint category during his runs on the ZZXC.

With this new product, the British company is no longer limited to ensuring the continuity of Avon Motorsport products. Commercial Director James Weekley sees it as the first step towards a broader range of tyres developed under the Nova Motorsport identity.

“When Nova Motorsport was established, we made two commitments. The first was to protect the availability and heritage of Avon Motorsport products that competitors around the world continue to rely upon. The second was to use the company’s exceptional technical expertise to create the next generation of specialist competition tyres.”

“The Nova ZZXC is the clearest demonstration of that second commitment. This tyre has been conceived, designed and manufactured by Nova Motorsport, then developed precisely around the needs of Cross Car competitors. It represents a major strategic step for Nova Motorsport, but also the beginning of something bigger. With our rallycross and autocross products, now Cross Car, as well as our established hillclimb and circuit ranges, we are building a focused portfolio in disciplines where tyre expertise and close relationships with competitors genuinely matter.”

Nova ZZXC: specifications

• Front: 175/70-10 27N
• Rear: 245/45-10 32N
• Construction: crossply
• Compounds: soft and medium
• Application: mixed-surface Cross Car competition
• Tread pattern: directional front, asymmetrical rear
• Conditions: developed for wet and dry competition