Arai Helmets celebrates 40th anniversary with the Isle of Man TT

27. May 2024

4 min read

Arai Helmets will celebrate its 40th anniversary at the Isle of Man TT in May 2024, coinciding with the 104th running of the race.

Since Joey Dunlop and Brian Reid became the first riders to wear Arai helmets at the world’s oldest and most famous road race in 1984, Arai is proud of its 40-year presence at the Isle of Man TT. The company’s passionate commitment to providing protection to competitors in the world’s most demanding road race is as strong today as it was four decades ago. Every detail of their helmets is continuously improved.

The importance of the TT for Arai

The importance of the TT to Arai cannot be overstated. Over the past 40 years, the race has served as a valuable research and development base for Arai. This has allowed the brand to gather important data that has enabled countless small improvements to the characteristic round, smooth and strong helmet design that Arai is known for.

Famous TT riders and Arai helmets

Arai helmets have been worn by some of the most famous TT riders, including BSB champion Josh Brookes, Philip McCallen and Ian Hutchinson. Joey Dunlop’s brother Robert and his nephew Michael, who will be battling for his 26th TT win in June to equal his uncle’s long-standing record, are also among them.

Celebrations and special events

The first day of racing, Saturday, June 1, will feature a parade lap of the 37.73-mile course with past and present TT riders. Akihito Arai will give the starting signal, honoring the historic partnership between Arai and the TT.

As part of a 15-year tradition of unique special TT designs, Arai Helmet recently launched the 2024 RX-7V EVO Limited Edition Isle of Man TT helmet, celebrating the race’s heritage with new colorways and branding.

Presentation of the anniversary video “Behind the Visor”

On May 31, Arai will also present its TT anniversary video “Behind the Visor”. The video, which includes archive footage and interviews with some of Arai’s most famous TT ambassadors, highlights Arai’s history and close association with TT riders. It will be available on Arai’s official YouTube channel.

Statements from Michio Arai and Paul Phillips

Michio Arai expressed his pride in the 40-year relationship with the TT: “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 on. The unique challenges of the TT are like no other race in the world, and it’s an honor for us that so many of the world’s best road racers choose Arai for their protection.” He added: “We wish all the riders at the TT the best of luck, especially Arai athlete Michael Dunlop, who will be fighting for an incredible 26th win to set his uncle Joey Dunlop, the original Arai TT rider.”

Paul Phillips, Head of Motorsport for the Isle of Man TT, said: “The Isle of Man TT Races is committed to improving safety performance as part of our strategic plan. It’s great to have Arai on board as an official helmet partner as it’s 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.”

Schedule of the Isle of Man TT 2024

The 2024 Isle of Man TT begins with free practice and first qualifying on Monday, May 27, and concludes with final qualifying on Friday, May 31. The race week starts on Saturday, June 1, and lasts until Saturday, June 8, with rest days on Monday, June 3, and Thursday, June 6.

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