2002 Indianapolis 500 Signed Bell XFM-1 Helmet
One-of-a-kind white Bell XFM-1 helmet personally autographed by many of the drivers that took part in the 2002 Indianapolis 500.
Race winner Hélio Castroneves, who also won the 2001 race, became the fifth driver in Indy 500 history to win back-to-back races (and the second of his three Indy 500 wins). The 2002 Indy 500 is largely considered one of the most controversial races in its long and storied history. With just two laps remaining Castroneves led Paul Tracy by just 0.22 seconds. Down the backstretch Tracy made a move to the outside in an attempt to make a pass for the lead. While they were approaching turn three a crash occurred on a different part of the track, bringing out the yellow caution flag. Many people believed Tracy had taken the lead before the yellow flag had come out but race officials would eventually declare Castroneves the race winner. After many protests and appeals, the result was upheld and is one that still divides many race fans to this day.
The end of the race and Paul Tracys views can be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_NXLjvD6j0
The drivers (twenty-three in all) who signed the helmet are as follows:
Dario Franchitti
Rick Treadway
Arie Luyendyk
Eddie Cheever
Richie Hearn
Max Papis
Raul Boesel
Mark Dismore
Felipe Giaffone
Paul Tracy
Jimmy Vasser
Scott Sharp
Shigeaki Hattori
Sarah Fisher
Hélio Castroneves
Gil de Ferran
Kenny Bräck
Billy Boat
Buddy Lazier
Sam Hornish, Jr
Airton Daré
Tomas Scheckter
Robbie Gordon
Many of the drivers that have signed this BELL helmet are former winners of the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race. This helmet would be a great item to add to your collection as a unique souvenir of this historic race.
The helmet is personally signed by all drivers in Sharpie pen and comes with a full Certificate Of Authenticity.
