Infiniti offers chance to design Sebastian Vettel's helmet for the USGP

Mon, 16 Sep 2013

The Circuit of the Americas will host its second United States Grand Prix in November, and based on what's happening with New Jersey it might be the only US torch left alight in the Formula One firmament. The story even before the inaugural event was about getting American fans involved, and Infiniti appears to be making the first splash this year with a competition to design Sebastian Vettel's helmet for the first two days of race weekend.

The only thing required of the graphic designer within you is to head to the competition site, download the helmet template and slather it in your unique technicolor vision. It will require some thought to make something interesting, though, since much of the helmet is already committed to team and sponsor logos; other than a few thin strips along the sides, your creativity will be confined to the oval atop the shell. Vettel will choose the winner and will wear the selected lid during the free practices and qualifying.

The grand prize winner will also get a VIP trip for two to the grand prix as a guest of Infiniti, which includes some face time with the triple world champion himself. The contest is on now, the deadline for entries is 11:59 pm GMT (6:59 EST), Sunday, September 29th and the winner is chosen the very next day. There's a press release below with more info if you want the complete skinny before putting stylus to digital paper.

INFINITI OFFERS FORMULA ONE FANS THE CHANCE TO DESIGN SEBASTIAN VETTEL'S HELMET FOR US GRAND PRIX WEEKEND

FRANKLIN, Tennessee – September 4th, 2013: Infiniti, the luxury automotive brand, today launches an exclusive competition to design the helmet worn by Formula One Triple World champion Sebastian Vettel at The US Grand Prix.

Race fans from all over America are being invited to submit their most creative designs to Infiniti. The winning entry will be personally chosen by Sebastian Vettel, who will wear the helmet for the Friday practice sessions and Saturday qualifying session at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on November 15 & 16th. The lucky winner plus a friend will also enjoy a VIP weekend at the US Grand Prix with Infiniti, including meeting Vettel himself.

Participants will be able to submit their designs directly to the Infiniti competition website at www.infiniti-gp.com/competition/vettel-austin-helmet and can be done through the user-friendly design application on the homepage. For applicants who prefer to get creative by hand, they can download the helmet template and simply draw their design on paper. Those who have their own design applications are welcome to use them for their entry. Entries close at 23.59hrs GMT on Sunday September 29th and will be judged on Monday 30th September.

Sebastian Vettel is the youngest ever Triple World Champion and currently leads the 2013 Formula One World Championship. This year, the 26 year-old German also became Infiniti's Director of Performance and has been involved in the development of the new Q50 and the recently announced Infiniti Q30 Concept. As well as his race-winning performance on the track, he is also well known for using a different helmet design for every race.

Commenting on the competition, Sebastian Vettel said: "The helmets I wear are very important to me, as each one has a special meaning or a connection with the race in question. Normally I work closely with my helmet designer to come up with a new design for every other race, and this is the first time I've given the fans the chance to do it for me. I can't wait to see what they come up with!"

The competition is open to US residents, 18 and over only, click www.infiniti-gp.com/imageCompetition/terms/vettel-austin-helmet to view the full terms and conditions. Latest updates on the best entries will be highlighted on the Infiniti GP Facebook page at www.facebook.com/infinitigp

By Jonathon Ramsey