Rutherford Helmet and Story (Helmets in Culver City Race Film)
¿ªÔÆÌåÓýRandall, ? Yes there was a natural progression to the helmets. Rutherford used the McHal, then the Bell and then Simpson. ? Here is Johnny¡¯s late 1960s Bell Star, which he says he got right after Gurney got his. Gurney is credited with using the first closed face helmet in Champ Car. It has a SNELL 1968 tag. (JSR4082) ? As the full face helmet evolved Johnny used the Bell helmets through the 1970s. Here is Johnny¡¯s 1979 Budweiser with a SNELL 1975 tag. (JSR4081) ? Johnny¡¯s horrible wreck in 1980 at Phoenix was a true test for Simpson helmets. Johnny says the helmet saved his life and describes the helmet as ¡°used up.¡± Attached is a photo of it. (JSR4093) ? As mentioned along the way some drives used the Premier helmet. Bobby Unser wore a Premier helmet during his 1975 Indy 500 win. Here is a photo of it. (BU404) ? Also around the mid-70s Harley Davidson ventured into race helmets as seen here in this Bobby & Al Unser poster. (BUFT1672). ? Bart ? From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Randall Cook via groups.io
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2024 10:25 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [RH] Rutherford Helmet and Story (Helmets in Culver City Race Film) ? Bart (and all): ? ??? That Rutherford helmet is a real piece of history.? And as you state it's a real beauty!? Thanks for sharing the photos. ? ??? Speaking of helmets it's amazing how many drivers in the past switched helmet back and forth between companies over their careers.? A.J. Foyt started out using Cromwell style helmets and at various times used McHal, Bell, Simpson, or Premier brands as well; likely even some others.? Which leads to a Foyt story and why he used a certain helmet. ? ???? For many years Bell Helmets had an accessory office at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway under the Tower Terrace stands where you could purchase helmets or have your helmet fitted or serviced during the entire Month of May. Around the middle 1970s a midget driver friend of mine told me that he was in there having his helmet worked on when A.J. Foyt walked in for some reason. The Bell representative asks Foyt why he quit using Bell helmets. Foyt replies, "Your helmets don't sound right". The rep was confused and didn't know what he meant so A.J. went out and came back a few minutes later with his Premier helmet. A.J. had the Bell rep put on the Premier helmet and proceeded to thump him with his hand as hard as he could on the side of the helmet just about knocking the guy over. "Pretty quiet wasn't it?", he said. He then repeated the same thing with the rep wearing a Bell helmet saying saying, "See what I mean? In the cockpit your helmets are too noisy!". The Bell rep had to agree. I'm not sure what happened to Premier helmets in auto racing but within a few years their drivers mostly seemed to either go back to Bell or start using the newer Simpson helmets. ? Randall Cook Indianapolis, IN
Randall Cook Indianapolis IN USA -- Bart Stevens Irving TX USA? |
