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One lucky reader out there is going to start the new year with perhaps the most fly helmet in the pit area!
DRAGZINE has partnered with Stilo USA, a division of Holley Performance Products and now a sister brand to Simpson Race Products, to give away an ST5 GT Composite Snell SA2020 full-face helmet to one very lucky winner. The Stilo ST5 GT is a lightweight fiberglass kevlar helmet used by racing professionals the world over, with many of the same features and design and safety elements that are built into the flagship full carbon-fiber Stilo helmets used by NHRA, Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, and sports car champions.
Known around the globe for its exploits in rally racing, Stilo Helmets is making its mark on the U.S. market in rally racing, open wheel, road, and now drag racing with its high-end, high-quality racing helmets.
“Driven by its racing roots and constant search for excellence, innovation and perfection has allowed Stilo to increase its prestige among teams and drivers all over the world, and a long series of victories led to the debut of Stilo racing helmets in the world of Formula 1 in 2015,” Stilo’s Preston Folkestad says. “At the end of the same year, Stilo’s experience and quality were further recognized, and the Italian brand became part of the Simpson Performance Group based in the United States.”
The winner, which will be drawn at random, will get their choice of size and color (the ST5 GT is available in silver, white, and matte black) of the ST5 GT, with optional HANS posts included, all valued at more than $1,000.
“The ST5 GT is dual-certified for Snell SA2020 and FIA 8859 certifications,” Folkestad says. “It features a fiberglass/Kevlar multi-sandwich fiber composite material for the shell. The Kevlar is what gives the fiberglass helmet its true strength.” The ST5 GT replaced the outgoing ST4 and features a number of improvements over that helmet, including a redesigned shell and larger eye port.
“What makes Stilo stand apart is the quality of the interior, and the fit and finish are substantially better than competing helmets on the market,” Folkestad adds. “The pads are made from higher-quality materials, and the helmets are designed to be more of a custom fit, with different cheek pads, top pads, and multiple shell sizes. The EPS foam inside the cheek pads also provides the best in lateral crash safety.”
Aside from the crash protection that the ST5 GT offers, Stilo has equipped it with numerous other features, including provisions to add integrated electronics.
The entire ST5 Composite helmet is crafted in Italy, and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and precision. – Preston Folkestad, Stilo
“We have our own intercoms with available ear muff speakers that can be installed into the interior, or you can utilize in-ear bud speakers,” Folkestad explains. “The ST5 GT offers integrated ports for accessories. These ports will allow you to utilize forced side air, integrated electronics, and drink systems seamlessly with the helmet. The ST5 also has a taller visor that has a dual lock system that allows it to be locked in the down or at a 3/4 closed position.”
“There are a variety of visor colors, all of which have an anti-fog coating, and some also include the anti-glare, double-glazed coating,” Folkestad explains. “The double-glazed version is for dirt and/or off-road Suse.”
The ST5 GT is also compatible with a variety of forced air systems, and has options for those requiring direct oxygen supply. While the ST5 GT’s core use has been in road racing arenas, thanks in large part to its ability to equip the helmet with integrated components, forced air, and driver/crew communications. But such features are more popular now than ever in drag racing. The ST5 GT is a perfect fit for that situation, and everyone from hardcore heads-up racers to index and/bracket racers will appreciate these helmets. Imagine having a hydration or fresh air system hooked up while you’re making laps and waiting in the staging lanes on hot summer days.
For those who don’t need the forced air provision, Stilo also offers it ST5 FN helmet that lacks the side ports for component integration. There’s also, of course, the top-of-the-line ST5 GT carbon-fiber helmets in SA2020 and FIA 8860-2018 variants for those looking for some of the finest racing helmets in the world.
The ST5 GT is offered in two shell sizes, with one covering extra small to medium (54-59cm) and the other taking care of large and extra-large (60-64cm) sizes. The two different shell sizes allow the company to provide a better fitting helmet that is lighter weight thanks to the use of a smaller shell.
Stilo is including posts for head-and-neck restraint systems such as Simpson’s own HANS and Hybrid devices.
“The ST5 Composite helmets are so nice, and the fit and finish in incomparable. We have drivers utilizing them in every market, including off-road, offshore powerboats, drag racing and more,” Folkestad says.
Many helmet buyers will be wondering what the weights are, and Stilo noted that the ST5 GT starts at 3.5 pounds for the small shell, and the larger shell version starts at 3.74 pounds. Both of those figures may change depending on accessories, however.
“The entire ST5 Composite helmet is made in Italy, and it’s really a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality and precision. In the ever-changing world of motorsports safety equipment, the ST5 GT stands out, combining safety, comfort, and cutting-edge technology,” Folkestad adds.
Entries for the giveaway will be accepted through 11:59 p.m. PST on January 24, 2024 — just in time to get this slick new Stilo ST5 GT helmet into the hands of its owner for the coming season of racing. Absolutely no purchase is necessary to enter. Be sure to read the complete list of rules and regulations.
Now, what are you waiting for? Get yourself entered!
