Southlake, TX (December 28th, 2012) – The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association announced that it has signed an agreement with Bell Racing USA LLC, naming Bell helmets as the Official Helmet of SVRA. As part of this relationship Bell will produce special limited edition series of commemorative helmets to be presented to the winners of the US Vintage National Championship in October of this year. To add to the authenticity and uniqueness of this award, each winner will have a choice of a Classic Series open face or full coverage helmet constructed to today’s exacting safety standards, while maintaining that period correct Vintage look.
SVRA President and CEO, Tony Parella, commented, “We are extremely excited and to have Bell as a partner and feel that their long history of producing the safest, most advanced helmets in the industry makes them a natural choice to be the Official Helmet of SVRA. Additionally their commitment to produce the special commemorative helmets for the winners of our US Vintage Racing National Championship adds the unique element we were looking for to recognize these worthy champions.”
“Bell Racing is proud to be the Official Helmet of SVRA,” said Bell President and CEO, Kyle Kietzmann. “We are excited to work with their members to promote the importance of safety, proper helmet selection, fit and use especially for those competitors who are new to the sport. Additionally this partnership offers Bell a unique opportunity to reach the Vintage motorsports community whose racers play an important part in preserving the history and heritage of our sport,” Kietzmann also stated.
About SVRA: Founded in 1978, the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (originally called the Southeast Vintage Racing Association) has conducted Vintage Racing events at legendary tracks in the East and Southeast area of the country, including Watkins Glen International, Sebring International Raceway, Virginia International Raceway, Road America, and the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.
Acquired by Texas businessman and Vintage Racer, Tony Parella, in September 2012, the organization has embarked on an aggressive program designed to bring the sport of Vintage Racing to a new level of professionalism and prominence. Among the key elements of this program are: the acquisition of the West Coast Vintage organization, Historic Sportscar Racing–West (HSR-West); the announcement of a set of simplified set of rules enforcement procedures; and an expansion of its East and West Coast race schedules to a record setting total of 17 events for the 2013 season. Additionally, the emergence of SVRA as Vintage Racing’s only national organization will give competitors an unrivaled opportunity to experience events on both coasts, as well as Vintage Racing’s first ever National Championship.
Further information on the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association can be found at www.svra.com , on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
About Bell Racing USA: Bell Racing USA LLC, the world’s premier auto racing Helmet Company, specializes in in designing, developing, manufacturing and distributing auto racing helmets to professional and amateur drivers competing in all forms of motor racing from IndyCar to go-karts. Bell helmets have been worn and trusted by more champions, in all forms of racing, than any other helmet brand. The Bell name is synonymous with quality, innovation, and safety. Bell products are designed and built to exceed industry specifications including standards developed by the Snell Foundation, SFI, and the FIA.
The Bell legacy dates to 1954 when the company was founded in a small auto part store located in Bell, California by Roy Richter. A majority of the innovations in helmet technology including the first purpose built helmet, full face helmet, fire retardant helmet and aerodynamic helmet were pioneered by Bell.
Bell auto racing helmets are sold through a network of specialty safety equipment dealers and distributors, as well as to individual retail customers. The company is located in Champaign, Illinois.