PRI 2011: Bell Racing's Old School Helmet Design With Modern Touches

Motorsports safety has sure come along way in the past 30 years. Not to diminish how dangerous racing is today, but take a look back beyond 30 years ago and you’ll find the extremely dangerous days of racing. The argument might be made that’s why vintage racing is so popular today, everyone wants to experience just how dangerous it was for the greats like AJ Foyt, and Mario Andretti. Bell Racing Helmets recognized this and showed us their newest line of helmets at the 2011 PRI show.

For 2012 Bell Racing is coming out with a new line of vintage racing helmets, but Kyle Keitzsmann of Bell explained to us how the helmets are going to have a few modern touches, “Yes, We’re bringing back the old styling, but we’re bring it back with the modern certification and modern construction techniques for added safety.”

Bell's New Star Classic, and the XFM-1 Vintage Helmets

As of now Bell racing has released two helmets into the vintage line, the Star Class and the XF-1 Classic. “The Star Classic replicates the racing champions from the 70’s,” Explained Keitzsmann. ” The XFM-1 replicates the champions from the early 80’s. It’s a very historic helmet, it was really the first auto racing full purpose helmet that was designed for open wheel racing. It was first introduced in 1979, and was worn by the champions of that era.”

Classic Bell Star Design features:

Lightweight Carbon Composite Shell Technology
Flip-up Visor
Removable/Replaceable Cheek Pads
E-max Multi-Density Layer
M6 Terminal Hardware for Head & Neck Restraint Devices
Duel Sided Positive Visor Seal
Available in White
Snell SA2010 & FIA8858-2010 Certified
Available in Sizes S – XL

Bell also showed us their new graphic option that is new for 2012. “We wanted to give people the option of the custom look, without having the expense of having it custom painted,” explained Keitzsmann. The new designs are a combination of vinyl and paint, and come in a variety of different designs.