SHINYA'S SHURIKEN
Kawasaki's Shinya Nakano unveiled a brand new helmet design during the recent IRTA tests at Catalunya and, while the new look retains his trademark 'eyes', the 28-year-old Kawasaki rider has introduced some new elements to the design for this season.
Joining the now famous 'eyes' are three shuriken, or Japanese throwing stars, which appear on both sides and the rear of Nakano's distinctive Arai helmet.
"I have had the same basic helmet design for almost four years, so I thought it was time for a change," said Nakano. "The eyes are representative of my background with the SP Tadao racing team in Japan, and so they will always be a part of any helmet design for me, but I also wanted something a little different this year."
"And what could be better than Japanese throwing stars? After all, I ride a Ninja and I guess, outside of Japan, Ninja are best known for their stealth tactics and the use of such weapons as the shuriken."
"Bright blue and red may not have been the most suitable choice for the Ninja of the 15th century, but they stand out much better on the track than the more traditional black!"
And stealth certainly appears to be part of Nakano's armoury this season. The Kawasaki pilot has quietly got on with the important job of developing the all-new Ninja ZX-RR, while continuing to make regular appearances in the top three on the pre-season timesheets.