Visitors to Wiltshire circuit, Castle Combe, in the early part of this season may have noticed an extra bit of sparkle to the classic venue.

Although they may not have been able to quite put their finger on it, the reason for the new sheen is down to a 50-year fixture at the track, and one of UK motorsport’s longest-standing traditions.

The Avon Tyres bridge, which traverses the pit lane entry, is the UK’s longest-standing bridge sponsorship, and it’s been given a revamp for 2007.

Castle Combe circuit started life in 1950, and the relationship with Avon Tyres, based just 11 miles down the road in Melksham, started in 1954, when the tyre manufacturer, now owned by US firm Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, put its name on the bridge.

The bridge, knocked down and rebuilt 10 years ago, has been adorned with several incarnations of the famous Avon Tyres logo ever since, but it was felt that a spot of freshening up was required.

“We’re very proud of our long association with Castle Combe,” said Avon’s motorsport chief and managing director for Cooper Tire’s European operations Julian Baldwin. “The track is known as one of the fastest, and most challenging, circuits in the UK, and that reflects our continuing commitment to producing high quality race and road tyres. If you’re going to take on Castle Combe, you need the very best in rubber on your car – and now as you enter Camp Corner, you’ll be able to see our colours clearer than ever.”