Colt Nichols was set to start the 2024 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship Series at the Anaheim 1 opener Liqui Moly Beta Racing Factory 450 RX. Unfortunately, a preseason shoulder injury kept Nichols out of the stadiums until last week at the Birmingham Supercross, where he qualified for the Main out of his Heat. Nichols finished in P13 at Protective Stadium in his return.
“It was a blast to finally be back out on the track racing,” Nichols said after the Birmingham race. I need to shake off some rust and get my racing legs back underneath me, but you got to start somewhere. I’m just pumped to be back at it every weekend.”
In addition to riding the new 2024 Beta 450 RX, which we have covered and will be testing soon, Nichols is riding with a new helmet to complement his O’Neal riding gear, Alpinestars Tech 10 boots, and Scott goggles. Protecting Nichols’ head is a pre-production HJC RPHA 01X helmet.
“I’m very excited to be signing with such a historic and legendary brand like HJC,” Nichols said. Being able to develop this new helmet and make a splash into the [SuperMotocross] world means a lot to me. The group of guys involved in the company are top-notch, so I’m looking forward to the future and growing with this brand.”
Dirt riders may not be familiar with HJC’s RPHA (pronounced are-fuh) helmet line. Street riders know that it’s HJC’s premium headwear, and we have tested the RPHA 11 Pro, RPHA 10 Pro, RPHA 90, RPHA 70 ST, and RPHA Max.
The HJC RPHA 01X will use a carbon fiber shell, and the helmet is projected to meet DOT and ECE 22.06 standards. Anticipated features include customizable cheek pads (which can be removed by first responders in an emergency) and an adjustable peak. Be patient, as the HJC RPHA 01X isn’t slated to go on sale until 2025.
