1999 Michael Andretti Signed Race Winning Gateway Newman-Haas Bell Fueling SS IndyCar Helmet
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This fantastic Bell Fueling SS helmet was the actual helmet that Michael Andretti wore for his victory in the 1999 Motorola 300 at the Gateway International Raceway, Illinois. After 295 demanding miles of the 1.25-mile (2 km) track, the American-born Andretti was leading but being put under pressure for the last few remaining laps, from the hard-charging pair of Brazilian Helio Castro-Neves and Scotsman Dario Franchitti, who were both on much fresher tires. However, Andretti, driving a Newman/Haas Racing Ford-powered Swift, was able to hold them off and take his first win in over a year, with Castro-Neves settling for second and Franchitti for third. You can watch the full race in the attached video above.
This stunning, rare model helmet bears the legendary Andretti family design consisting of a metallic silver base, overlaid with a wide, blue-edged center stripe in red running over the top and ending in a chevron on its crown. It also has the ‘Stars & Stripes’ around the bottom of the helmet, a feature Michael would add to father’s own iconic design. The ‘Andretti’ name, in the family’s script, is on either side of the helmet. It also shows many of the team’s sponsor/suppliers’ branding logos on it, including Texaco Havoline, Route 66, and Ford to name a few and the tinted visor has a Big Kmart/Texaco sun strip on it. On the lower back side there’s a helmet I.D. label that reads 4/99 06. The helmet comes as last used with its race radio still installed and with all the scars of competition.
Michael Andretti has personally signed the helmet on its top front adding ‘Best Wishes’ to the signature. He also documented the race by adding ‘St Louis Winner 99’ to the visor.
The helmet comes with a full Certificate Of Authenticity.
