History
In 1958, the 18-year-old Simpson broke both arms in a drag racing crash.BiographyUsage
Simpson Performance Products racing safety products have been used in many motorsport disciplines, including IndyCars, NASCAR, and National Hot Rod Association. All International Race of Champions (IROC) cars were fitted with Simpson belts and window nets until the sanctioning body closed. Until 2006, Simpson Performance Products was the only company to supply all of the safety items used in NASCAR racing. NASCAR officials continue to trust Simpson products today. The modern Simpson Performance Products has grown to include a comprehensive line of racing safety products and manufactures some of their products in Texas, North Carolina, and California, while other products are manufactured overseas. Simpson has 5 locations which include Indiana, North Carolina, Texas, and California. The company was founded in 1959 by Bill Simpson. Simpson safety gear is sold all over the world. A line of Simpson helmets, nicknamed the "Star Wars" helmet has been in production since 1979. The original model was named the RX-1 (RXM-1 for motorcycle use), then renamed the Model 30 shortly thereafter. The basic design was revised with fewer air slots and renamed the "Bandit." A number of different Bandit versions have followed. The similarly designed "Diamondback" is notably worn by The Stig from the BBC TV Top Gear series. The current Bandit helmet lineup from Simpson includes a Carbon Fiber Bandit, introduced in 2012. The X-Bandit Pro is a full carbon Super Helmet, Snell 2010, and FIA 8860 approved. Simpson’s U.S. manufacturing facility is located New Braunfels, Texas. The similarly designed "Diamondback" is notably worn by The Stig from the BBC TV '' Top Gear'' series.Simpson today
Simpson Performance Products is headquartered in New Braunfels, Texas. Much of the company's harness systems, HANS head restraints, flagship parachutes are manufactured and tested at the site. Simpson firesuits and crew uniforms are manufactured outside of Los Angeles, CA in their 52,000 sq. foot facility. Simpson also has a factory inSimpson milestones
2016 - May, Simpson forms Motorcycle Safety Unit to meet demand for Simpson Motorcycle Helmets. 2015 - December, Simpson acquires Stilo S.r.l., a leading manufacturer and designer of premier racing helmets and helmet communications for Global motorsports - February, Simpson Granted a U.S. Patent for multi-tether system for head restraint devices 2013 - October, Simpson Acquires the Rights for Shock Doctor Eject Emergency Helmet Removal System 2012 - January, Simpson Hybrid Head & Neck Restraints Receives FIA Approval - January, Simpson Announces Simpson, Europe and Ramps Up Presence in the European Market for Motorsports Safety - January, Simpson Names Jan Phersson as Manager of Simpson Europe - January, Simpson X-Bandit Pro Helmet Receives FIA Approval and the Distinction of Being the First U.S.-Manufacturerd FIA 8860 Approved “Super Helmet” - September, Simpson acquires HANS Performance Products 2011 - September, NASCAR Approves the Simpson Hybrid Pro Head & Neck Restraint for Use in NASCAR Competition 2010 - January, Simpson Is Selected As Safety Equipment Supplier to John Force Racing - January, Simpson Sign With Molucule Labs™, a Premier Line of Performance Fabric Care Products, As The Exclusive Worldwide Supplier - January, Simpson Partners With John Force Racing in a Multi-Year Safety Initiative - January, Simpson Enters a Contingency Program with the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) for the 2010 Racing Season -April, Simpson Sponsors the Richard Petty Driver Search - September, Simpson Introduces the Vixen line of Racing Suits Designed Exclusively for the Female Physique - December, Simpson Acquires Safety Solutions, Manufacturer of Head & Neck Restraints 2009 - Simpson Signs On As Contingency Sponsor with the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) 2010 Racing Season 2008 - Simpson introduces re-designed multi-functional e-commerce website, www.teamsimpson.com. - Simpson introduces Devil Ray super-light Carbon Fiber Helmet. - Simpson Introduces Mercury Drag Helmet. - Simpson Introduces Diamond S-Lite Nomex Drag Suit with 15% lighter weight. - Simpson introduces line of multi-functional off-road seats with easy harness removal system. - Simpson partners with Racing Electronics to offer communication-equipped factory-installed helmets. - Simpson partners with SCCA for Member Benefits Program. - Simpson re-signs 3-year contingency program with NASCAR through 2011. - Simpson re-signs contingency program with NHRA. 2007 - Simpson introduces the StingRay helmet. - Simpson introduces 7 point belts for Top Fuel and Funny Car racing. - Enters into agreement with RH2 to sell Simpson product trackside at IHRA events. - Simpson enters Sand Off road market with patented D3 Restraint. 2006 - Simpson introduces Raider Helmet. - Simpson consolidates all California manufacturing into new Harbor City facility. - Simpson sells 1,000th full size collectible helmet. - Simpson introduces Talladega Crew Shirt. 2005 - Simpson introduces Diamondback Helmet. 2004 - Simpson introduces Valor Helmet with V-Aero Technology. - Simpson offers CarbonX option on Firesuits. 2002 - Platinum Series Belts introduced. 2000 - Simpson Child Car Safety Seat introduced. 1999 - Generation 11 Driving Suits introduced. Helmet breaks three-pound barrier. Nomex K introduced in Simpson drag suits. 1997 - Simpson opens 80,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in New Braunfels, Texas. Simpson World opens in Indianapolis, Indiana. 1995 - Suit and Restraint Factory nearly doubled in capacity. 1994 - Simpson Race Products named Car Craft Manufacturer of the Year. - Opens Simpson World Racing Store and Museum in Mooresville, North Carolina. 1993 - Simpson Race Products opens 10,000 sq. ft. factory for shoe production in Speedway, Indiana. 1991 - Simpson Race Products named Car Craft Manufacturer of the Year. 1979 - RX-1 Helmet introduced – 23 of 33 qualifiers at the Indy 500 wear this helmet. 1968 - Simpson products are being sold worldwide. Company moves to larger facility in Torrance, California. 1967 - Heat Shield Firesuit introduced – driver has more protection and comfort. 1965 - Pre-Air Breather Hood introduced – protects drivers from fire and noxious fumes emitted by nitro-burning engine. 1964 - Simpson Firesuit introduced – major advance in safety history. 1959 - Simpson introduces the first drag racing parachute.References
External links
* {{Sports equipment brands Automotive motorsports and performance companies Helmet manufacturers Companies based in New Braunfels, Texas New Braunfels, Texas