John Moore, founder of Alcon Components Ltd, has passed away, leaving a lasting legacy on motorsport and high-performance braking. A pioneering engineer, racer, and visionary, Moore helped shape the foundation of Britain’s globally recognized motorsport engineering industry.
John Moore’s Background
- Founded Alcon in 1983, transforming it into a global leader in motorsport braking
- Engineered brakes for Audi’s Group B Quattro, helping secure the 1984 World Rally Championship
- Led AP Racing’s Competition Products division before launching Alcon
- Mentored generations of engineers and industry leaders
- Remembered for humility, innovation, and passion for racing
A Legacy Built on Passion and Precision
From his early days as a racing driver and engineer, John Moore’s career embodied innovation and integrity. After building and racing his own Warwick Mk I and Mk II cars in the 1950s and ’60s, Moore joined Automotive Products (Lockheed, Borg & Beck) in Leamington Spa, where he rose to lead the Competition Products Division, later known as AP Racing. His leadership helped establish AP’s reputation for technical excellence and presence in Formula 1 paddocks throughout the 1970s.
Creating Alcon and a New Era in Braking
In the early 1980s, while Managing Director at Alexander Controls Ltd, Moore was approached by Audi Sport to design brakes for its Group B Quattro rally cars. The resulting components powered Stig Blomqvist’s 1984 World Rally Championship victories and sparked the birth of Alcon Components Ltd in 1983. Under Moore’s guidance, Alcon became synonymous with engineering precision and reliability, earning the trust of elite motorsport teams and performance vehicle manufacturers worldwide.
Growth, Innovation, and Global Reach
Through the 1980s and 1990s, Moore oversaw Alcon’s expansion into Formula 1, touring cars, rallying, and defense applications, developing groundbreaking caliper technologies from sandcast to forged designs. In 1994, Alcon established its U.S. subsidiary, broadening its reach across motorsport, off-road, and special-vehicle sectors. By 1998, Moore and his management team acquired the company, allowing him to focus on mentoring future generations and advancing Alcon’s global success.
Tributes from Colleagues and Friends
“His humility, willingness to help and gentle humour, won him friends throughout the world,” said Alistair Fergusson, Group Managing Director. “To this day, anyone wearing an Alcon shirt at an event can expect to be approached by people wanting to share fond memories of John.”
“John’s energy and customer focus was infectious,” added Andy Smith, Group Engineering Director. “His ability to bring the team along to deliver what at first might have seemed impossible laid the foundations for Alcon’s success.”
A Lasting Impact on Motorsport and Engineering
Moore’s influence continues to shape the motorsport and high-performance braking industry, inspiring countless engineers and innovators. Remembered as a true gentleman, pioneer, and racer at heart, his vision and humanity endure through Alcon’s ongoing success and the community he helped build.
Additional information can be found on Alcon’s website.
Subscribe Today!
Sign up for our weekly eNewsletter and get a free copy of our quarterly digital magazine.
