Double honour for TT star Gary Johnson
Rising road racing star Gary Johnson will not only have the honour of leading away the field when the first race of the 2009 Isle of Man TT gets underway, he will also be sporting a unique helmet celebrating a milestone for manufacturer Arai.
The Lincolnshire rider made his TT debut in 2007, during the Centenary, and instantly marked himself out as one to watch with a best lap of just under 123mph. Last year he recorded top six finishes in the Superbike, Senior and Supersport races.
The 27-year-old is due to set off at number one in Saturday’s Dainese Superbike TT, the first race of this year’s festival.
In addition to being first to leave the TT Grandstand, Uel Duncan Honda rider Johnson will be wearing a striking helmet to mark the 25th year of Arai’s official support of the TT and its competitors.
The specially designed RX-7 GP helmet features the Isle of Man’s triskelion flag on one side. On the other side is the red, white and blue of the Union flag, to mark the fact 2009 is also the 25th anniversary of Arai being officially imported into the UK.
Johnson said:
‘I feel very honoured to play a part in Arai’s TT celebrations and I think this helmet looks mega - just a shame I don’t get to keep it!’
‘Seriously, nothing performs round the TT better than an Arai and by choosing the number one plate I’ll be leading this year’s charge in the new RX-7 GP, so no pressure.’
After the Superbike race the helmet will be displayed at various events throughout the year before being auctioned off at the NEC Motorcycle Show in November, with all proceeds going to the Riders for Health charity.
In addition to being a TT sponsor, Arai will once again supply all the marshals with clothing, along with the 10-strong Yamaha-riding travelling marshal team choosing to wear Arai helmets
Arai supplies up to 80 per cent of the TT paddock as well as providing a race and public helmet service support team for the TT fortnight.
Throughout the festival race fans are also being given the chance to ‘test ride’ the new RX-7 GP – free of charge – around the world’s most demanding circuit. For more information, visit the Arai Race Service Support Team, located behind the Grandstand, during the TT.
Find out more about Riders for Health.