Capirossi 300th GP start Helmet

A look at the special helmet Loris Capirossi wore for his historic 300th GP start.

To celebrate his 300th Grand Prix start at the opening round of the 2010 MotoGP series, Loris Capirossi wore a special one-off helmet.

The helmet Capirossi wore at Qatar was a Suomy Extreme painted by Troy Lee Designs. Featuring the colours of Japan, Italy and Monaco to represent the home of Suzuki, Capirossi’s home country and his place of residence, his bird design wearing a red scarf was included on the rear of the helmet. The painters at Troy Lee also incorporated genuine 24-carat gold sheeting to give Capirossi that extra ‘bling’ for the 300th start..

Taking 18 hours to paint and then a further three hours to lay the gold to the design, each part of the gold was machine-turned to give the circle effect that can be seen on the top and side stripes, and within the 300 logo that replaced Capirossi’s usual 65.

Even more awesome than Loris’s helmet, was his achievement in making the 300th GP start. Along the way Loris managed two 125cc World Championships, and a 250cc Championship which was highlighted by his ramming of teammate Harada in the final turn of the final round.

Loris also made over 70 starts on the brutal 500cc two stroke GP machines, and has since fronted up to the MotoGP grid a further 115 times.

“Caperix” has clocked up 29 wins, 99 podiums, 41 pole positions, 32 fastest laps, and isn’t done yet!

Well done Loris Capirossi!

Images Rizla Suzuki 2010