A total of 72 model helmet designs showcased along with Motorcycle Grand Prix memorabilia are being presented at the Macau Grand Prix Museum in Zape for the “ART OF RACING” Helmet Model Artworks and Riders’ Collection Exhibition, jointly presented by the museum in conjunction with integrated resort operator MGM.
Launched yesterday and located on the second floor of the museum until January 5, the exhibition features three sections, with “Artistic Inclusion and Community Co-Creation” showcasing the 72 helmet artworks created by students and artists with disabilities chosen during a co-launched programme in October; a section featuring items such as leathers and helmets worn by riders of the MGM-sponsored teams over the years; and lion dance-themed helmet installation.
The integrated resort operator has sponsored SK Support riders for the past 15 years, with their helmets, racing leathers and motorcycles featuring designs by artists with disabilities from Macau and overseas. For this year’s 57th Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix, MGM is sponsoring Finnish rider Erno Kostamo, who won the Macau Motorcycle Grand Prix in 2022, and Australia’s David Johnson.
Both riders attended yesterday’s opening ceremony. Other officiating guests included Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) Director Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Macau Federation of Trade Unions (FAOM) President Ho Sut Heng, Macau Women’s General Association President Lau Kam Ling, General Union of Neighbourhood Associations of Macau (UGAMM) Vice President Aaron Iu, Fuhong Society of Macau President of General Assembly Maria de Fátima Santos Ferreira, and MGM China Holdings Limited President & Chief Operating Officer Hubert Wang Zhiqi.
Speaking with reporters, Kostamo and Johnson said they were happy and excited to return to the Guia Circuit. Kostamo said that he hopes to have a good race and win this year, while Johnson said that he was “ready to go” and is happy to be in a good team with good teammates.
The Post also asked the riders about the challenges they are anticipating on the Guia Circuit, with Kostamo highlighting all the possible “hard breaks” throughout, while Johnson underlined how physical the race can be, noting that the section from Estrada de S. Francisco to the Melco Hairpin throughout “is very physical to the body”, adding: “That’s all hard work. It’s going to be tough, always is”, he told the Post.
Moreover, on wearing the racing gear and racing on bikes featuring designs by students and artists with disabilities, both riders highlighted to reporters the work and time that went into them. “It’s quite an honour, really. The kids have done a great job with all the artwork”, Johnson told the media.
Guests, students, artists and riders pose for a group photo at the Macau Grand Prix Museum (MGPM) in Zape yesterday morning. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
Riders Erno Kostamo (left) and David Johnson speak with reporters
