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Casey Stoner Introduces His Suzuka 8 Hour Nolan Helmet, Speaks about MotoGP

The fact that Casey Stoner has always been a pretty straightforward guy is old news. That's why we are glad he agreed to provide some of the answers many of us have been waiting for quite some time. Stoner and Italian helmet manufacturer Nolan got together to showcase the lid the Aussie rider will be using during the Suzuka 8 Hour race in late July.
Casey Stoner and his Nolan X-802RR Carbon Fitting 5 photos
Photo: Nolan
Casey Stoner and his new Nolan helmetCasey Stoner's Suzuka 8 Hours lidCasey Stoner and his new Nolan helmetCasey Stoner and his new Nolan helmet
The media could not miss the opportunity to ask some of THE questions that direly needed answers, especially after HRC preferred Hiroshi Aoyama as a substitute driver for injured Dani Pedrosa. Casey openly spoke about this subject, and also shone some extra light on certain MotoGP-related matters.

The Nolan X-802RR Carbon Fitting is a high-tech full-face helmet

Nolan and Casey Stoner have a long history, but having the Oz rider in Europe for a product launch event has always been a rarity. Nolan's X-802RR Carbon Fitting is a true racing helmet that has been engineered with input from no less than 37 riders testing it in three different championships and is the epitome of Italian helmet techonolgy.

The most important feature of the Nolan X-802RR Carbon Fitting is the special padding that incorporates activated carbon fibers. The padding "limits muscle contractions, cramps and fatigue while improving blood flow," while controlling static electricity. A 100% natural fabric, the lining also improves air flow and moisture absorption and maintains a constant temperature.

Chemical-free and bacteriostatic, the Nolan X-802RR Carbon Fitting has been tested in comparison with other technical apparel. Group 1 wore the X-802RR Carbon Fitting, while Group 2 wore other technical clothing. According to Nolan, the results were significant:

• the body temperature increase was three times greater in the second group than in the first group;
• the oxygen requirements of the first group fell during exertion to 3 liters/minute;
• the heart rate of the first group was 4 beats per minute slower than the second group;
• the concentration of lactic acid was 12% lower in the first group than in the second.


The Lid will be available from January 2016 for a yet unspecified price, in six sizes, XS-S, M-L and XL-XXL. The visor is supplied with a Pinlock antifog lens, and it can also be locked to prevent opening at high speed. Ventilation is paramount, and the helmet even comes with a two-way adjustable rear spoiler that facilitate stability for various riding styles and hot air extraction through the integrated ports.

"I won't return to MotoGP"

Once again, Stoner is categoric about not returning to MotoGP racing. With a broad smile, Stoner says that he's not getting back to premier class racing because he can now take all the time in the world to dedicate to his greatest passion, fishing.

With no regrets for leaving MotoGP, he admits that the stress that comes with such a job is one of the things he can do well without. He says he's not that good at acting in front of the camera and he always preferred to be himself instead of "playing it nice for the audience".

"I wanted to do it for Dani and to help Marc"

Asked about HRC's refusal to let him substitute for Dani Pedrosa, Stoner says that he wasn't eyeing a wildcard or a return. He just thought he could do a good job replacing Pedrosa, while also possibly giving Marquez a helping hand while at it. Of course, he had no expectations from two circuits he had never seen before, but understands Honda's choice.

Even more, exactly because he had no high hopes, seeing HRC choosing Aoyama did not anger him or change anything in his relationship with the house of Tokyo.

"I know what's wrong with Honda's bike, but I can't tell you"

In the end, Stoner also said that Rossi looks like the strongest rider of the moment, but that Lorenzo or even Pedrosa are his favorites for the 2015 title. Since the tests in Malaysia, Stoner understood that something was wrong with the 2015 iteration of the RC213V, but he said he was not allowed to speak about this with anyone.

As for the MotoGP, seeing new manufacturers making it on the grid, such as Suzuki and Aprilia, this was just a great piece of news as the new rules that allow new factory entries to test and develop better machines, like Ducati did. "I have many friends in Borgo Panigale, but I am a Honda guy," concluded Stoner, cited by gpone.

Now, with not the faintest hope for a wildcard in the premier class this year, it's only down to the Suzuka 8 hour race on July 27 to see Stoner back in full-on two-wheel racing nerve.
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