The winning designer of the BLOODHOUND helmet that will be used in South Africa next year has delivered it to driver Andy Green at Hakskeen Pan. The handover took place during the celebrations to mark one year until the World Land Speed Record attempt in October 2017.

Dirk Coetzee, who won the competition when he was a 17-year-old student at Adamantia High School in Kimberley, Northern Cape, said that he was very proud to be part of the BLOODHOUND story, crediting his parents, who are both graphic designers, and particularly his mother, for inspiring him to enter the competition.

Dirk was warmly congratulated on his design by Andy Green. “It captures everything about this record,” declared Andy.

Commenting on the fact that the helmet not only features BLOODHOUND’s signature blue and orange, but also the flags of the UK and South Africa, Andy said that the Project “genuinely is a joint venture between the two countries. It [the helmet] also captures the essence of the Northern Cape – the limitless sky, the fabulous sunrises and sunsets, and the wildlife, with the gemsbok.”

The helmet design also includes Andy’s name on the front and Dirk’s name on the back as the designer.

Dirk is now studying 3D Animation at college, continuing his love of design. Having been born and brought up in Northern Cape, he is looking forward to next October when the first World Land Speed Record runs take place at Hakskeen Pan. “It’s a big moment for Northern Cape and South Africa, as well as for Andy. I’m really excited for next year!”