Arai Celebrates 40-Year Partnership with Isle of Man TT
As the world’s oldest and most famous road race, the Isle of Man TT, celebrates its rich history, Arai proudly marks its 40-year presence at the iconic event. Since 1984, when legendary riders Joey Dunlop and Brian Reid first donned Arai helmets, the brand has remained committed to providing top-notch protection to road racers participating in the most demanding road race globally.
A Platform for R&D and Innovation
The Isle of Man TT holds a special significance for Arai, serving as an invaluable R&D platform that has enabled the brand to accumulate crucial data. This data has been instrumental in perfecting Arai’s characteristic round, smooth, and strong shell design, a hallmark of the brand’s helmets.
Legendary Riders and Iconic Moments
Throughout its 40-year relationship with the TT, Arai has had the privilege of being worn by some of the race’s most iconic riders, including:
- Josh Brookes, British Superbike Champion
- Philip McCallen
- Ian Hutchinson
- The Dunlop family, including Joey’s brother Robert and nephew Michael
Celebrating a Historic Partnership
As Michael Dunlop prepares to challenge for his 26th TT win in June, which would see him equal his uncle’s long-standing record, Arai is set to celebrate its historic partnership with the TT in style. On Saturday, June 1st, the first day of racing will be preceded by a special Parade Lap of the 37.73-mile course, featuring TT riders past and present. Akihito Arai, CEO of Arai Helmet, will have the honor of giving the starting signal to the riders, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s 40-year association with the TT.
Limited Edition Isle of Man TT Helmet
In commemoration of this special occasion, Arai has launched the 2024 RX-7V EVO Limited Edition Isle of Man TT helmet, boasting unique colorways and branding that pay homage to the race’s rich heritage. This limited-edition design is part of a 15-year tradition of special TT designs, further solidifying Arai’s connection with the iconic road race.
“Behind the Visor” Anniversary Video
On May 31st, Arai will also release its TT anniversary video, “Behind the Visor”, which explores the brand’s history and affinity with TT riders through archive footage and interviews with some of Arai’s most famous TT ambassadors. The video will be available on the official Arai YouTube channel.
A Lasting Legacy
Michio Arai, President of Arai Helmet, expressed his pride in the brand’s four-decade relationship with the TT, stating:
“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 honor for us that so many of the world’s best road racers choose Arai for their protection.”
Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport at the Isle of Man TT, echoed Arai’s sentiments, saying:
“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 recognize this in Arai’s proactive approach to achieving the highest standards over the last 40 years.”
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