Copyright 2005, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

After a 15-year relationship with Shoei helmets, American Honda’s Miguel Duhamel will wear Shark helmets through the 2006 season.

“That’s true. We will be wearing Shark helmets for the next two years. I’m really pleased,” Duhamel told Roadracingworld.com Tuesday. “They are a company that’s been around for a long time. I remember when Raymond Roche came out to Mosport for World Superbike. He was a big Shark guy and a bit of a friend of mine. So I have a lot of confidence and am looking forward to doing this.”

The 2004 AMA Formula Xtreme Champion said leaving Shoei was not a quick or easy decision. “It’s not something that was sudden,” said Duhamel. “I made sure Shoei had every chance possible to keep me. Obviously, there is a professional association there and also a friendship that has been built through the years, but unfortunately, that didn’t work out. That’s just how it goes sometimes, you know?

“I would have been pleased to stay with Shoei, but I’m even more pleased that Shark is enthusiastic about coming here and supplying me with support and helmets. I’m looking forward to representing them as well as I can. Hopefully, it’s from the top of the podium this year.”

Duhamel said that he and Shark will collaborate on a new Miguel Duhamel Replica helmet design, which will be sold worldwide. The seven-time AMA Champion said the new replica design could carryover a dragon-based theme, like his previous helmet designs, or the design could be tied in with a potential major personal sponsorship deal from a company based in Las Vegas, Nevada, where Duhamel resides.

“I’m hoping that comes to realization,” said Duhamel. “That would be a great thing for our sport, someone out of the industry coming in and showing interest in what we do. The excitement (on AMA racetracks) is definitely validating the enthusiasm we are receiving right now. Hopefully, I can capitalize on it and do the same thing I did for racer salaries and open the door to outside sponsorship. It’s not done yet, but it’s not dead either. We’re still working on it.”

Asked if the new sponsorship was from a hotel/casino in Las Vegas, Duhamel said, “That’s a high possibility, obviously, being here in Las Vegas.”

Duhamel also said he will be sponsored by Giant Bicycles in 2005.