While the basic function of a helmet is to keep a driver’s head protected, for years helmets have also been a way for racers to display personal style.  A helmet’s design can say a lot about an individual.  They are a public display of interests or histories.  Some helmet designs even become synonymous with specific racers, such as Graham Hill’s oar blades, the tartan band of Jackie Stewart, Salvador Dali staring back from the lid of Oriol Servià, or even the simple yellow and blue color scheme of Ronnie Peterson.

With several thousand helmet-owning members within the Sports Car Club of America, we’re sure there are some neat designs and great stories out there.  What’s the story behind your lid?  Jot down a few words about your helmet, tell us a little bit about what went into creating the design, tell us about the artist, take a couple pictures of the helmet and send it along via email to media@scca.com.  We’ll be featuring a bunch of the helmets at SCCA.com in the coming weeks.

To get things rolling, check out the backstory for the helmet of John Hunter, an SCCA Tire Rack Solo Nationals Champion.  As a fan of Formula 1, Hunter had always admired the designs drivers used before sponsor logos dominated the space.  When he got his new black helmet, Hunter decided to emulate the design of former World Driving Champion James Hunt.

“It was too perfect. Our names are very close. He used a black helmet, and we are both extremely attractive men,” Hunter joked. “I asked Mike Snyder at SCC Tint & Graphics to whip me up some vinyl, so I could give it a shot and see how it would come out. He sent me over what he cut up, and I applied it to the helmet. Easy, unique and totally reversible should my A.D.D kick in.”

Cool, classic look, John.  Can’t wait to see what other creativity rests within the Sports Car Club of America membership.

Photo: The helmet of John Hunter