http://youtu.be/wzZKUHoIk64

Helmets are personal things. When I was a kid, I always coveted my dad’s AGV bike helmet, done out in classic Kenny Roberts colours (red and black, with a white eagle each side) and with a Barry Sheene Donald Duck sticker on the chin. I now have a cheap but effective race helmet. It’s the only helmet I own, but it’s mine. It’s not got custom paint, just some Speedhunters stickers slapped down the side to make it look less off-the-shelf.

Helmets make an identity. Think Ayrton Senna, think bright yellow helmet. Mansell’s red, white and blue arrows. Schumacher’s bright red. That’s what always surprises me about Sebastian Vettel and his ever-changing helmet design; it’s no criticism of his driving skill, but for me watching any kind of racing goes on three levels. Car make, driving style and the helmet colours with the eyes staring out from behind the visor. I love the instant association you can get from identifying iconic helmet colours.

This video takes us through process behind the creation of factory Corvette driver Tommy Milner’s latest lid, from the initial design through the laborious and highly complex paint process to the final, matt-stealth finish. It’s a labour of love and the result is stunning (which is no surprise, seeing as Andy Blackmore was involved). I love the way his previous design has been worked in, and seeing the effort involved is captivating. Check it out!

Jonathan Moore
Instagram: speedhunters_jonathan
jonathan@speedhunters.com