Akihito Arai gives starting signal to Arai athletes for 40th anniversary IoM TT lap
Arai Helmet has marked 40 years at the Isle of Man TT in a Parade Lap around the world’s most famous road race with Arai riders past and present. Signalling the participants off from the start line was Akihito Arai, son of CEO Michio Arai, in a special event four decades since Joey Dunlop and Brian Reid first wore Arai at the IoM TT in 1984.
16 Arai riders took to the TT Mountain Course ahead of the first race of 2024. Participants included Michael Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, Brian Reid, Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle and Steve Plater, with each rider wearing the 2024 RX-7V EVO Limited Edition IoM TT, the 15th unique Arai IOM TT design.
The Parade Lap celebration was a fitting prelude to the Monster Energy Supersport Race 1 that saw Arai athlete Michael Dunlop make history with his 26th TT win, drawing level with his uncle and one of the first Arai riders at the TT, Joey Dunlop.
The Isle of Man TT has played an important role in Arai R&D over their 40-year relationship, contributing many small improvements to the characteristic rounder, smoother, stronger shell design and crucial Glancing Off ability that Arai is renowned for. In 2024 more than half of all TT competitors have chosen Arai for one of the greatest challenges in motorsport, trusting in the protective qualities and comfort its helmets provide.
A passionate IoM TT fan and long-time rider himself, Akihito Arai was proud to be at the start line with so many Arai athletes:
“There is nowhere else like the Isle of Man TT. To be here with these athletes, 40 years after Arai was first present at the most famous road race in the world is very special to me. Having so many riders choose and trust us year after year, at such a challenging race, is a very proud moment.”
“We are as committed to our Priority for Protection as much now as when Arai began creating helmets. The IoM TT provides important R&D insights that helps us to constantly improve our helmets and their Glancing Off ability, so to have been at the Isle of Man for four decades means a lot to me and my family.”
The riders were also honoured to play their part in the Parade Lap:
Davey Todd:
“It’s awesome to be part of this as an Arai rider. There are a lot of IoM TT winners in this line-up, so I felt a little bit out of place! But, it was great to get out there and have a spin around the course with all these other Arai athletes.”
Richard ‘Milky’ Quayle:
“It’s a complete and utter honour to be part of the Arai Parade Lap at the 2024 Isle of Man TT. As a young boy I always dreamt of wearing an Arai when racing, I was fortunate enough to have Arai’s help to fulfil my dream. I won the TT in an Arai; I still wear an Arai every day on my way to work! It’s such a pleasure to be here.”
Brian Reid:
“I’ve been looking forward to this for a while! I was nervous, as if I was starting a proper race, but it never leaves you. It was brilliant to get the new 2024 RX-7V EVO Limited Edition IoM TT on and go down Bray Hill. Arai was a huge part of my career and it’s a privilege to be here.”
The 2024 Isle of Man TT continues with racing until Saturday 8th, with rest days on Monday 3rd and Thursday 6th.
For more information about the Isle of Man TT, please visit www.iomttraces.com.
