The 2012 Isle of Man TT was officially launched last week, and Arai took the opportunity to present their latest Limited Edition TT Series RX-7GP helmet in front of a packed crowd at the Villa Marina. The helmet was unveiled by MotoGP superstar Cal Crutchlow and Arai’s Racing Manager Olaf Van Schijndel, and the stunning design received an enthusiastic response from the audience.

This third and final helmet in the series of limited edition designs by Italian master Aldo Drudi, follows on from 2010’s black/gold TT track-based artwork and 2011’s tribute to ‘100 years of the Mountain Course’. It offers a striking conclusion to the series summing up the TT spirit with the world famous ‘triskelion’ three legs of man symbol prominent on the front of the helmet. The iconic TT letters feature in black on a classic gold background and a bold chequered flag completes the design, circling the base of the helmet.

Underneath the trick paintwork is Arai’s RX-7 GP, a racing helmet considered by many as the benchmark against which all others are measured. Featuring a peripherally belted Structural Net Composite (SNC) shell, with hyper ridge strengthening in its lower section and wider aperture (plus larger visor) for better vision the RX-7 GP not only meets, but also exceeds the specified requirements and approval criteria of both the European ECE R22-05 and the American SNELL M2010 standards and is also built to withstand the SNELL impact penetration tests.

The Arai third Limited Edition TT Series RX-7 GP helmet comes in sizes XS – XL with an RRP of £775 and is available in the UK from Crossan Motorcycles Limited and orders can be now placed on line at www.thevisorshop.com. The helmet can also be purchased directly at the Isle of Man TT from 26th May through to 10^th June, 2012 at Crossan Motorcycles’ shop unit situated in its usual position on the start/finish straight in Nobles Park.

Further information on the third Limited Limited Edition TT Series RX-7 GP can be obtained from Arai’s mini website via the main site www.araihelmet-europe.com.

Mick Doohan to ride lap of honour with Nicky Hayden, Cal Crutchlow and Ian Hutchinson!

Arai and the Isle of Man TT have a long history together; the Arai Race Service has been a presence in the TT paddock, serving both racers and Arai-wearing TT fans, since 1984 and an illustrious list of TT winners including Joey Dunlop, Ian Hutchinson, Steve Plater and Bruce Anstey all wore Arai to victory. Arai also supports the TT with sponsorship – which includes signage around the course, suits for the marshalls and helmets for the travelling marshalls – and Arai remains the helmet chosen by the majority of TT riders to deliver comfort, dependability and sheer quality in extreme conditions.

The 37.73 mile Mountain Circuit, first used in 1911 celebrates its centenary this year and as part of a TT helmet trilogy, started in 2010, Arai have now released the second in the series. As with the first edition Italian designer Aldo Drudi has designed the 2011 Isle of Man TT RX-7 GP; his inspiration was, naturally ‘100 years of the Mountain Course’ with the distance and all the names of the famous bends prominently present on both sides of the helmet. Orange, white and blue are the dominant colours, together with the official TT logo and the world famous three-legged triskelion (Three Legs of Man) symbol.  The RX-7 GP 2011 TT Series will be available from Arai Five Star dealer Crossan Motorcycles on the Isle of Man during TT fortnight and a commission on each helmet sold will go to the TT organisers – visit www.thevisorshop.com for details on how to pre-order. Also, visit www.araihelmet-europe.com where the 2011 series TT RX-7 GP has its own mini-website.

Every year a very special guest comes to the Isle of Man TT to ride a lap of the course and for 2011 Mick Doohan will be on the island for four days, taking part in various events as well as riding the Arai Lap of Honour. Doohan is best known around the world as five times MotoGP World Champion riding for Honda (1994-1998) and during his outstanding career he always wore and trusted Arai.

Aldo Drudi has also crafted a stunning Arai RX-7 GP Doohan/TT helmet to mark this special occasion in white, black and red incorporating the TT logo, plus triskelion details and the essence of Doohan’s original paintwork – the famous red, blue and white striped design which has become so iconic. The Arai Doohan/TT RX-7 GP will be available on an order-only basis directly from any Arai Five Star dealer.

Doohan will be on the Isle of Man the evening of Tuesday 7^th June through to Friday 10^th, and taking part in signing sessions as and when time allows, plus an interview/Q&A session on the Arai Race Service on the Thursday afternoon; he’ll also be starting the Poker Stars Senior race on Friday.

Nicky Hayden will also be on the Island together with fellow MotoGP rider Cal Crutchlow, and these two current racing stars will be joined by Mick and TT master Ian Hutchinson for signing sessions and all four will ride in the Arai parade lap on Wednesday, 8^th June at 4.45pm.

Also on Wednesday at 12.30pm there will be a short Arai press conference with Cal, Nicky, Mick and Ian in the TT VIP Hospitality Suite; this event will also mark the launch of Mick’s RX-7 GP Doohan/TT helmet.

Ian Hutchinson made history in 2010 by winning five TTs in a week but this year will have to console himself with spectating as he still recuperates from injury. On Wednesday 1st June Ian will open the new Arai suite of the Joey Dunlop Foundation at Bradden Bridge House, which consists of three self-contained disabled accessible apartments, each offering luxury self-catering accommodation for anyone with special needs. At the request of Mrs Dunlop, the Charity makes a special welcome to children and young adults.

As for the racing itself? Following the family tradition Michael and William Dunlop will be looking for TT victories in Arai while top TT competitors Keith Amor and Garry Johnson will fittingly be racing in the 2011 Arai TT series RX-7 GP. Bruce Anstey will be wearing the exotic and state of the art carbon fibre Arai RX-7 RC. The £2099 RX-7 RC is based on the technology used for the GP-6 RC Formula 1 car-racing helmet and consists of an extremely stiff and light carbon fibre outer shell, reinforced with Arai’s Peripherally Belted construction. It takes Arai’s most experienced and skilled craftsmen a whole working day to produce each shell, working only by hand; only 300 can be made a year.

British Supersport team Centurion racing will be making its debut on Mona’s isle in 2011, with Dan Cooper riding a Triumph 675 Daytona in the Supersport class and a Honda Fireblade in the Superstock and Senior TT races. Racing in support of Help For Heroes Dan’s RX-7 GP has been supplied by Arai and will feature a one-off design by RichArt showing both the H4H and IOM TT logos. Team Principal Paul Rees, who spent 20 years in Her Majesty’s Royal Marine Commandos, was given permission to have the bikes carry the H4H logos in order to encourage the public to be more aware of this charity that supports the UK’s Armed Forces.

So the 2011 TT looks to be a fantastic edition of this unique motorcycle race. Arai has long played a part in the TT’s history and is joining in the centenary celebrations of the Mountain Circuit with racing superstars, very special helmets and, as ever, a deep appreciation of the event itself. Come join the party!

Doohan/TT and Haga Monza White will be available in the UK later this year.

News of two very special limited edition Arai RX-7 GP helmets has just been announced; the Doohan/TT and Haga Monza White will be complete one-offs appealing to fans and collectors alike.

Every year a very special guest is invited to the Isle of Man TT to ride the legendary lap of honour and for 2011 Arai has invited no one less than Mick Doohan. Doohan is best known around the world as five times MotoGP World Champion (1994-1998) and during his outstanding career he always wore and trusted Arai. Several MotoGP riders will join Doohan during the ‘Arai Lap of Honor’, offering a truly unique spectacle.

His famous red, blue and white striped helmet with Koala bear cartoon on the back has become iconic – and Aldo Drudi has designed a limited edition helmet for this special occasion in white, black and red incorporating the TT logo, plus ‘Three Legs of Man’ details and the essence of Doohan’s original paintwork.

The black, limited edition Haga Monza was a tremendous success in 2009. Noriyuki wore this design at the Italian World Superbike race and interest was immediately overwhelming; all of the original Monzas sold very rapidly and thus inspired the brand new RX-7 GP Haga Monza ‘White’. This stunning version is also designed by Aldo Drudi and draws inspiration from its black predecessor; it features the circuit layout, its latitude and longitude as well as his NKI 41 motif. Haga, racing his PATA Aprilia RSV4 will wear the new design during the Italian World Superbike round at Monza, which takes place on May 8.

The Arai Doohan/TT and Haga Monza White RX-7 GP’s will be available in sizes XS-XL with an RRP of £639.99.

Both of the above helmets will be available on an order only basis directly from any Arai Five Star dealer and deadline to place orders will be 14th May, 2011. Delivery dates will be advised shortly.

Arai’s RX-7 GP: the racer’s benchmark

The RX-7 GP was developed in conjunction with Arai’s MotoGP riders and features a peripherally belted Structural Net Composite (SNC) shell, with hyper ridge strengthening in its lower section and wider aperture (plus larger visor) for better vision. The RX-7 GP is the most technologically advanced motorcycle helmet Arai has ever produced; it exceeds ECE Regulation 22-05 and the new SNELL M2010 standard. ECE 22-05 represents the legal minimums for helmets in road use throughout the European Union while Snell M2010, introduced in October 2009, demands protective standards well beyond these legal minimums. The RX-7 GP easily surpasses ECE 22-05 and is the first helmet to meet Snell M2010, offering far superior head protection for motorcyclists.

The Arai Difference

Without exception all Arai helmets offer a peerless fit; the Japanese brand’s reputation for quality, comfort and safety has recently been further reinforced as, for the 12^th consecutive year, Arai came out top of the JD Power and Associates Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction Study.

For more information on the Arai Doohan/TT or Haga Monza White, or the rest of the Arai range, call 2724UK on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

SUPPORTING THE ISLE OF MAN TT RACES

In 2010 Arai introduced a new and  innovative sponsoring scheme tailor made for the Isle of Man TT organization: a series of three Arai RX-7 GP TT helmets, with a limited production run of 500 units per helmet design for Europe, of which a substantial commission of the profit will flow directly towards the TT organization. Now the breathtaking second (2011) edition is ready for its introduction to the best-known course in the motorcycle world.

The first black and gold 2010 limited Isle of Man TT Series helmets were an instant hit and collector’s item. For the new (2011) edition, Italian top designer Aldo Drudi has again designed a truly stunning design, being a tribute to ‘’100 Years of the Mountain Course” referring to the fact the course as we know it now, was taken in use in 1911.

Limited series

Each run of these special Isle of Man TT helmets is limited to strictly 500 helmets for Europe and the Isle of Man TT organization receives a commission for every helmet sold. In order to make this support program possible, all parties involved (Arai Japan, Arai Europe, Phoenix Distribution) agreed to minimize their margins significantly. The 2011 Isle of Man TT Series edition is priced at € 899,00 (euro price including VAT – £699.99 GBP) and will be exclusively distributed by Arai’s UK importer Phoenix Distribution through their Five Star dealer Crossan Motorcycles.

This second (2011) edition is initially offered to the owners of the first (2010) edition. This first (2010) edition was offered with a special three-helmets display and the orange-white-blue 2011 edition will complement this display beautifully.  Any remaining 2011 edition helmets are offered for sale during the Isle of Man TT races itself.

Always present

For many years Arai has been a proud supporter and sponsor of the Isle of Man TT races. The exposure of Arai at this acknowledged event offers huge worldwide publicity and is therefore in the interest of all Arai importers. That is why year after year Arai course banners and sign-posts deck this world famous track.

There has always been a strong bond between Arai and the Isle of Man TT races. Many competitors and visitors prefer Arai helmets and for many years, Arai has sponsored the event. It was therefore not a big surprise when the introduction of the limited edition ‘’Isle of Man Centennial’’ model in 2007 proved to be a huge success.

Over time, Arai has amassed extensive knowledge when it comes to producing limited edition helmets and models like the Joey Dunlop Replica and the Haga Monza underline that success.

Special website

The Arai RX-7 GP Isle of Man TT Series mini-website is part of the www.araihelmet-europe.com website and has been updated for the 2011 edition.  Full information about the 2011 Isle of Man TT Series can be found here. Furthermore several riders and the famous ‘’travelling marshalls’’ will wear the 2011 edition of the Isle of Man TT Series helmet for higher visibility and to promote this spectacular helmet to the public.

Second in a series of three limited Isle of Man TT editions -

This second out of a series of three limited RX-7 GP Isle of Man TT helmets is just as all Isle of Man TT Series helmets limited to a production run of 500 for Europe, a guarantee for exclusivity.

The 2011 Isle of Man TT Series is based on the highly successful, professional racing bred RX-7 GP model. A state of the art helmet in which Arai has packaged all its years of experience from the track, being developed with the help of Arai’s MotoGP riders.

Italian top designer Aldo Drudi has also designed this 2011 edition Isle of Man TT helmet. His inspiration was ‘’100 years Mountain Course’’ with the distance (37 ¾ miles) and all the names of the famous bends prominently present on both sides of the helmet.

Orange, white and blue are the dominant colors, together with the official TT logo and the world famous three-legged triskelion symbol.

Of course this 2011 Isle of Man TT Series Arai RX-7 GP is a fully functional, completely road legal helmet that can be used on the road or track without any restriction.

About the Arai RX-7 GP

The 2011 Isle of Man TT Series helmet is based on the highly successful Arai RX-7 GP model.  A stunning design with features like no other helmet currently available. The RX-7 GP was developed in close collaboration with winning MotoGP and Grand Prix riders. Their input can be found among others in the revolutionary adjustable ‘’Air Wing’’ spoiler on the back of the helmet. The Air Wing reduces drag, turbulence and buffeting. Thanks to the wider aperture, the rider also benefits from a wider angle of view, offering a better view out of a corner or in dense traffic situations. Ventilation is greatly enhanced with the updated diffuser system. Revolutionary is also the new ‘’PB- SNC’’ outer shell (35% stronger than standard fibre) with a special belt construction developed for Arai’s F1 helmet. Together with the unique ‘’Emergency Release Pads’’ that can be removed in seconds for easy removal of the helmet, these features make the new Arai RX-7 GP a breakthrough in the upper premium helmet segment.

Meets both ECE and SNELL approvals

What makes the RX-7 GP stand out is the fact that it  does not only meet, but even exceeds the specified requirements and approval criteria of both the European ECE 22-05 and the American SNELL M2010 standards. During SNELL tests, the medium size RX-7 GP absorbs successfully double the amount of energy that is required by the ECE approvals. And even with the XL size, where the differences narrow, the energy safely absorbed during SNELL tests is still 65% higher than the ECE approvals require. It is also good to know that the RX-7 GP was designed to withstand the SNELL impact penetration tests anywhere above the test line. That is what makes the RX-7 GP truly different and the new benchmark in helmet safety and technology.

About Arai

Arai alone is and always has been a family-owned company started IN 1937. Three generations of the Arai family have been devoted to one singular goal: making the best performing and most comfortable helmet possible. And they succeeded, because the name and reputation of Arai helmets stands for unsurpassed quality and trust.

Handmade quality, the family name and reputation, the Arai warranty, it all adds up to the trust that truly sets us apart from other helmet manufacturer products. Just pick up any Arai helmet and you can immediately feel the love and craftsmanship it was made with. Each and every Arai helmet has passed through many hands before it is good enough for our customers. Proud hands that put the name of the craftsman who built the helmet in writing on the inside of the outer shell. You will probably never see it. But it is there.

Every Arai helmet is nearly 100% handmade. But our dedication to quality goes even further, because each and every Arai helmet must go through five separate quality-control departments: one after the shell is made, one after painting and graphic completion, one after assembly and two in-process inspections.

And what is even more amazing, this strict quality control is performed on every single Arai helmet. Dedicated craftsmen and quality inspectors inspect each Arai helmet carefully.  Only Arai offers this level of handmade quality that has become a part of the Arai workers’ mentality, building your helmet by skilled hands.

Seven victories from seven races for the Japanese brand

Ian Hutchinson, riding for Padgetts Honda, had a historic race week at this year’s TT, standing on the top step of the podium in all five of the solo races and becoming the first man ever to do so. In the process he beat the record of 11-time champion (and fellow Arai wearer) Phillip McCallen, who was previously the only rider in the TT’s 103 year history to win four races in a week, back in 1996.

‘Hutchy’ took the chequered flag of the blue riband Dainese Senior TT, the last race of TT week, and stood on his footpegs in a ‘superman’ pose to the applause and plaudits he richly deserved. At the press conference after the race he declared “today has been unbelievable for me and it’s been one of those weeks that was just meant to be, I’ll never complain if I breakdown around here again”.

Klaus Klaffenbock and Dan Sayle won both of the Sidecar races, thus giving Arai a clean sweep across the board.

Arai has a history and association with the Isle of Man TT that goes back to the 1980s, and the Japanese brand is worn by the majority of TT competitors thanks to the fit, comfort and dependability of Arai at the extreme speeds generated on the 37.7 mile road circuit. The Arai Race Support Service has also become an integral part of the TT – operating out of the paddock its team of six factory-trained technicians maintain and service the Arais of all the TT competitors throughout practice and race weeks, as well performing high-pressure visor changing duties during pit stops.

John Wakefield, Managing Director of Phoenix Distribution, the UK Arai Importer, was naturally delighted with the results from the 2010 Isle of Man TT; “We’ve long supported and believed in the TT, not only because so many riders wear Arai there but also because the history and tradition of the event matters to us, and has done since Arai first came to Europe. Congratulations to Ian Hutchinson, he’s ridden absolutely brilliantly and we’re proud to have contributed to his success.”

For more information on the Arai range call Phoenix on 01782 569800, or visit www.whyarai.co.uk

Arai’s Service, racers, special helmets and ‘ride before you buy’ head to Mona’s Isle

The Arai Service

Arai has a long history and has become synonymous with the Isle of Man TT. Fittingly some of the top names racing at the 2010 TT are Arai riders; Bruce Anstey, Ian Hutchinson, Keith Amor, Davy Morgan, Gary Johnson and Michael and William Dunlop. All know that wearing Arai brings a real, positive difference to their racing.

But Arai is also the helmet the majority of riders trust and wear to race the 37.73 mile road circuit – for much the same reason – and, for the past 26 years, the Arai Race Support Service has been a big presence in the paddock, looking after racers’ needs and also those of the Arai-wearing race fans.

This year Arai’s brand new 33ft Mercedes will be in the paddock for the TT fortnight with an international team from both the UK and Arai Europe looking after the needs of both sponsored and non-sponsored racers’ helmets. The factory-trained technicians offer advice and adjustment of fit (critical at the extreme speeds of the TT), tear-off mounting and visor care (using Fine Vision and Pinlock® inserts) and maintenance of all the helmet’s working parts. The Arai team can also be seen in pit lane, facilitating swift visor changes during the TT’s high-pressure pit stops.

The RX-7 GP 2010 TT Series

As ever the iconic Arai logo can be seen on many milestone markers around the course and Arai, in conjunction with the TT organisers, has this year introduced a special edition, limited production Isle of Man TT RX-7 GP helmet.  The first design in a series of three, it is truly stunning and has been created by legendary designer Aldo Drudi.  Based around the Isle of Man’s famous triskelion (Three Legs of Man) symbol, the famous ‘TT’ letters and symbolism of the black and white chequered flag, only 500 of this First Edition design will be produced. In 2011 and 2012 there will follow a further five hundred with each series featuring its own unique design. The First Edition of this series is offered complete with a special display stand in the style of a TT winners’ podium, enabling the display of all three unique helmets together.

The RX-7 GP 2010 TT Series is available in sizes XS–XXL and has an RRP of £699.99. It will only be sold via Arai Five Star dealer Crossans, on the Isle of Man during TT fortnight and a commission on each helmet sold will go to the TT organisers – visit www.thevisorshop.com for details on how to pre-order.

Also, visit www.araihelmet-europe.com where the 2010 series TT RX-7 GP has its own mini-website.

Arai and the RAF Association

There’ll be another very special Arai on the Island this year. Phoenix Distribution, Arai’s UK importer has teamed up with the Royal Air Force Association to produce what will be a truly special helmet, commemorating the 70^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The unique, one-off RX-7 GP wears a duck-egg blue base colour – the exact same tone as used on the bottom of the RAF’s Spitfires and Hurricanes in 1940 – and a pair of iconic red, white and blue roundels. The wings, as well as being a flying officer’s badge of honour also signify the work that the RAF Association does for the whole of the RAF family. The RAF Association is an independent registered charity that presently has 75,000 members, of which 600 are Voluntary Welfare Officers. They operate three short-term respite care homes plus a network of sheltered housing and, where necessary, give help and support to serving and ex-serving members of the Royal Air Force.

One very lucky motorcyclist will have the opportunity to own this piece of Arai and RAF history – for £1!  Starting Wednesday 26^th May, 2010 and finishing Friday 19^th November, 2010 a single  £1 text could be all it takes: text ARAI on 70099 to enter. The helmet will be signed by Steve Plater and presented by Steve on the main stage at the International Motorcycle Show in November with various RAF Association personnel in attendance.

Visitors to the TT will be able to view the helmet on the Arai Race Support Service situated in the Grandstand.

For more information on the RAF Association, or this competition call 0116 266 5224 or visit www.rafa.org.uk

Ride before you buy; the new Arai Quantum and RX-7 GP

Visitors to the Isle of Man will get a chance to try an Arai at this year’s TT. Operating from the Arai Race Support Service located in the Grandstand, motorcyclists will be able to try the new Arai Quantum or the RX-7 GP for a lap and experience first-hand what makes an Arai helmet so special.

The RX-7 GP is Arai’s benchmark model and used by the majority of racers at the TT.  The new Quantum uses racing DNA from the Arai RX-7 GP which matched to the civilities required on the road, is proving to be a winning formula and will earn further converts thanks to a chance to wear it in the real world, in varied riding conditions.

And, finally…

One place that the ardent TT fan can’t fail to notice during TT fortnight is Paparazzi’s restaurant on the Douglas prom; owned by motorcycle and racing enthusiast, Gianni Robba.  The Italian food and wine on offer is fantastic, as is the atmosphere. Arai will again partner the Paparazzi team giving the restaurant a real ‘Arai’ feel for the TT fortnight and making it a regular hang out place for the service team. Check it out – Paparazzi is the racers favourite restaurant so you never quite know who you might spot eating there…

Issued by:      Phoenix Distribution

Date:               28^th May 2010

Contact:         Wendy Hearn, Marketing Manager

Email:             wendyh@phoenixnw.co.uk