By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
MotoGP Authentics will auction off 30 limited edition, signed helmets from the Superbike legend Carlos Checa, raising funds for Valencia flood relief.
The auction is a collaboration between the two-time Grand Prix champion and MotoGP Authentics, which is operated by Memento Exclusives under license from Dorna Sports. Checa and MotoGP Authentics have organized an online charity auction featuring a limited edition helmet of only 30 units, signed by the motorcycle racing star.
It’s a personal project for Checa, who was born in Barcelona, just a few hours drive north of the hard-hit province of Valencia, which was devastated when torrential rains caused flash flooding across a wide area of Spain.
The disaster caused widespread devastation, killing at least 231 people, displacing thousands of residents and inundating homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Torrential rains led to the overflow of the Turia River, severely affecting transportation networks and disrupting daily life. Insurance claims for destroyed property have reached more than $3.5 billion.
Most of the deaths, as well as destroyed homes, businesses and automobiles, were in the province of Valencia.
The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of the regional economy, suffered extensive crop losses, and recovery efforts are projected to take years. Emergency services and international aid organizations have mobilized to provide relief, while the Spanish government has pledged significant financial support for reconstruction.
Checa, a Spanish former professional motorcycle racer and winner of the 2011 Superbike World Championship, has worked with MotoGP Authentics to create the limited edition helmet and organize the auction.
The helmet has been created by Italian motorcycle helmet manufacturer Nolan, and is the very first piece in a limited and super-exclusive series of only 30 numbered helmets. The design also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the rider being an ambassador of the manufacturer.
The auction winner will also receive an exclusive tour of the Nolan factory and a meet and greet with Carlos Checa himself, during which he will sign the special #1/30 helmet.
The auction is running until January 19 and will help raise money for the Àngel Nieto Foundation. The charity, in collaboration with Aspar Team, has supported the community of Valencia following the 2024 Spanish floods, one of the largest natural disasters in Spanish history.
Carlos Checa is known for his incredible career in both MotoGP and the Superbike World Championship. During his career he claimed 24 race wins and was crowned the Superbike World Champion in 2011—becoming the first Spanish rider to claim the prestigious accolade.
Collectors can bid on the helmet at motogpauthentics.com.