Johnson, Shelton deliver on Indy 500 helmet collaboration

When NTT INDYCAR Series driver and NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson made the decision to enter the 106th Running of the Indianapolis 500, he knew he would need a helmet design commensurate with the magnitude of the event and wanted to have some fun while creating it. As the race date got close, he reached out to a longtime friend for some help.

Johnson was first introduced to country music mega-star Blake Shelton in 2003. The two were both starting out in their respective industries and met backstage at the CMT “Flameworthy Awards” in Nashville. Over the course of the evening and a few adult beverages, they became fast friends and continued to stay in touch as their as both of their careers took flight.

Nineteen years after that night in Nashville, Johnson sent a text to Shelton asking his longtime friend to help design the race helmet Johnson would wear for his first Indianapolis 500 race.

“I thought I was being punked,” Shelton joked as the two friends came together at the iconic Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on April 7. “What an honor, especially with The American Legion involved and it being Jimmie’s first Indy 500. There is just so much that this helmet represents to me and to Jimmie Johnson’s career. To have a part in some ideas of what the helmet is going to look like is an unbelievable honor.”

“This helmet design was so important to me, and I really just wanted to have some fun in the process. With the race being on Memorial Day, I felt the calling to raise some awareness for our partner The American Legion and help drive donations,” Johnson said. “Blake and I know the importance of supporting our servicemen and women and felt this would be an amazing opportunity to design this helmet with that in-mind and have some fun. It really took on a deeper meaning with the inclusion of our family members and went to a whole different place in my heart. It’s become much more special as a result.”

During the session at the Peterson, Johnson and Shelton were joined by iconic helmet designer and painter, Troy Lee, founder of Troy Lee Designs.

“Working with Blake and Jimmie on this project was really fun,” Lee said. “The elements of the helmet are very special, and it’s the Indy 500 so we had to make it amazing. As a designer, you try and pull in special meaningful elements for the folks you are designing for.  Incorporating Jimmie’s and Blake’s family members who served in the military made it personal for both of them. I’m really proud of how it turned out it.”

The Schuberth helmet has a patriot theme utilizing a red, white and blue design. One side features Johnson’s grandfathers – Kenneth Johnson and Floyd “Gene” Dunnill and the other side features Shelton’s dad and brother – Richard Lee “Dick” Shelton and Richie Shelton. Lee remained consistent with Johnson’s other NTT INDYCAR Series helmets by turning his traditional silver leaf red and incorporating the iconic No. 48 and “JJ” logo. 

Johnson (and his eight-year-old daughter Lydia) revealed the helmet on NBC’s Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on May 25. He wore it for the first time during “Carb Day” – the Indianapolis 500’s final practice session.

NBC Sports documented the process of how the “Helmet of Heroes” came to life with Johnson and Shelton from inception to the arrival of the helmet at the storied Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After the checkered flag flies on the 106th running of the Indianapolis 500, Johnson and Shelton will both sign the helmet and it will be displayed at the remaining INDYCAR SERIES races, and select other events, in The American Legion’s mobile marketing trackside display. Fans who donate $48 will be entered in a drawing to win the race worn Helmet of Heroes in September. Visit: http://bit.ly/HelmetofHeroes or text HelmetofHeroes to 91999 to donate.

“It is inspiring to see Jimmie and Blake honor their family members who served in the military, especially in such a high-profile way,” said Dean Kessel, chief marketing officer of The American Legion. “Their family members represent millions of men and women who have answered the call to serve our great nation. What a great way to recognize that selfless service. This is Jimmie’s first Indy 500 helmet; it will be a historic artifact shown and referenced for decades to come. For the Legion, this is an incredible opportunity to amplify our voice to audiences we don’t necessarily automatically reach. Blake and Jimmie have tremendous followings, and they are both so passionate about veterans and the military, in general.”

In addition to the drawing for the Helmet of Heroes, Johnson will be selling mini replica helmets available exclusively on his website at https://jimmiejohnson.shop.sportstoday.com. 

Autographed and non-autographed versions will be available.  Proceeds from the sale of the mini-replica Helmet of Heroes will also go to The American Legion.