Copyright 2001, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

The one-of-a-kind AGV helmet worn by three-time AMA Superbike Champion Mat Mladin in the AMA season finale at Virginia International Raceway “in respect and remembrance” of the victims of the September 11 tragedy, has sold for $2152 on eBay.

After stating that he felt Air Fence was “an area that the AMA should show responsibility in obtaining and not having to leave it to individuals to pursue”, Mladin donated his tribute helmet for auction with the proceeds benefiting the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. Air Fence is a trademark of Airfence Safety Systems of Australia.

The auction began on Friday, December 21 with the bidding starting at $300 and a reserve price of $500. Participation in the auction was steady as Texas racers Marcus McBain, John Ross and Troy Green battled with “danoe3” over the Christmas holidays, but the sale got intense as the end drew closer. With a scheduled conclusion of approximately 10:17 a.m. Pacific Time Friday, December 28, 11 bids were made on the helmet within the last hour of the auction. In the last 45 minutes, bids from “norse_racer”, “danoe3”, “nankai” and “astroboy-atm” raised the highest bid from $1550 to the final sale price of $2152.

With just moments to spare before the close of the auction and the beginning of his New Years vacation, Robb Meier, a.k.a. “astroboy-atm”, posted the winning bid for the Mat Mladin tribute helmet. A Mladin fan and aspiring racer from Toronto, Canada, Meier laughed when asked if he was going to wear the Mladin helmet when he joins the Canadian Superbike series in 2003. “No, it’s going to go in my collection,” said Meier, who said he was headed for the airport.

More collectible and valuable items will continue to be offered at auction on eBay to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund. Stay tuned for the next auction item.

If you have a piece of racing memorabilia or an item/service of value that you would like to donate for auction to benefit the Roadracing World Air Fence Fund for either road racing or dirt track, please contact David Swarts at (909) 245-6411 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time Monday through Friday, or e-mail [email protected].