1995 Christian Fittipaldi Rare Simpson Velociraptor Indy 500 Special Qualifying Helmet
It can be argued that Christian Fittipaldi is one of the most versatile drivers of his generation, and by the way, it’s difficult to believe he turned 50 in January!
Fittipaldi has been an accomplished driver in Formula 1, INDYCAR, NASCAR and the top U.S. sports car series over the past three decades, and he spent a season in the since-folded A1 Grand Prix series.
Fittipaldi won the Rolex 24 of Daytona overall three times (2004, 2014 and 2018), the Sebring 12 Hours (2015) and had a pair of race wins in CART (1999 and 2000). And while history doesn’t remember it as it should, Fittipaldi nearly joined his famous uncle, Emerson, as an Indianapolis 500 winner (he finished second to Jacques Villeneuve in the 1995 race that saw Scott Goodyear give the win away by jumping the final restart).
Fittipaldi’s CART wins came both on a road course (Road America) and a large oval (California Speedway). He even won a pole in his native Brazil.
Fittipaldi spent three seasons in F1, making 40 starts. Two of those seasons (1992 and 1993) were with Minardi, which didn’t have a chance to compete at the front of the grid. He drove for the Footwork Arrows team in ’94.
Fittipaldi made 19 starts in NASCAR — 16 in the Cup Series, three in the Xfinitiy Series. His sports car victories came not only on the Daytona road course but also at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Watkins Glen International, Road America and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course.
Fittipaldi-worn racing items are highly desirable memorabilia in part because of his own success but also that of his uncle, a two-time F1 World Champion who captured the Indianapolis 500 in 1989 and 1993.
This very rare Hi-Liter green Simpson Velociraptor helmet was made just for qualifying at the 1995 Indianapolis 500. The helmet has the visor bolted on, the rear aero is moulded on to form a smooth one piece design vs other Velociraptors where the aero part is bolted to the helmet. Note, the helmet is 25 plus years old and is not in mint condition showing slight damage to the rear of the helmet. The helmet was made illegal by the series making this qualifying version as super rare and highly collectable helmet. The other Raptor helmets without the screw down visors were allowed to be used in 1995 and in 1996 before being banned for the squared edges. Getting your hands on one of these ultra rare helmets is a must for any top collector. Pictures of Fittipaldi during the race in a similar helmet without the screw down visor cane be seen here in this listing.
The helmet comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.
