Arai Helmet to Celebrate 40th Anniversary With IOM TT
Special Event at 2024 TT to Commemorate Four-Decade Relationship
Arai Helmet will mark its 40th year at the Isle of Man TT in May, coinciding with the TT’s 104thstaging. First worn at the world’s oldest and most famous road race by Joey Dunlop and Brian Reid in 1984, Arai is extremely proud of its 40-year presence at the Isle of Man TT. Its passionate dedication in offering protection to participants in the most demanding road race on the globe is as strong now as it was four decades ago, with every protective detail of its helmets continually improved upon.
The importance of the TT to Arai cannot be understated. Over their 40-year relationship the race has proved an invaluable R&D basis to Arai, allowing the brand to accumulate vital data that has helped create countless small improvements to its characteristic round, smooth and strong shell design that Arai is renowned for.
Arai helmets have been worn by some of the TT’s most iconic riders, including BSB Champion Josh Brookes, Philip McCallen, Ian Hutchinson, as well as Joey Dunlop’s brother Robert and nephew Michael, who will challenge for his 26th TT win in June that would see him match his uncle’s long-standing record.
The first day of racing on Saturday 1st June will be followed by a Parade Lap of the 37.73 mile course featuring TT riders past and present, and will see Akihito Arai give the starting signal to riders in celebration of Arai and the TT’s historic partnership.
As part of a 15-year tradition of unique special TT designs, Arai Helmet has recently launched the 2024 RX-7V EVO Limited Edition Isle of Man TT helmet, celebrating the race’s heritage and its new-look colourways and branding.
On May 31st Arai will also present its TT anniversary video ‘Behind the Visor’. Featuring archive footage and interviews with some of Arai’s most famous TT ambassadors, Behind the Visor explores the Arai history and affinity with TT riders and will be available on the official Arai YouTube channel.
Michio Arai expressed his pride of four decades of TT relationship, saying “The Isle of Man TT has been a special place for Arai since the 1980s, and we are extremely proud to be a key partner four decades later. The unique challenges presented by the TT are like no other race in the world, and it is an honour for us that so many of the world’s best road racers choose Arai for their protection.” He added “We send the very best luck to all riders at the TT, and in particular to Arai athlete Michael Dunlop who will compete for an incredible 26th win to equal his uncle, and original Arai TT rider, Joey Dunlop.”
Speaking on behalf of the Isle of Man TT, Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport said, “The Isle of Man TT Races is committed to driving safety performance as part of our strategic plan. It is great to have Arai on board as Official Helmet Partner, as it is important that our partnerships align with our vision for rider safety. We recognise this in Arai’s proactive approach to achieving the highest standards over the last 40 years.”
The 2024 Isle of Man TT begins with Free Practice and Qualifying 1 on Monday 27th May, with final qualifying on Friday 31st. Race Week will begin on Saturday 1st June and run 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.
