When did you last have the chance to own a genuine piece of 2022 World Rally Championship history? Exactly. Hardly ever. And when did you get the chance to own something that earned a 2022 WRC podium?
Precisely. Virtually never.
That’s why this story is so important. But it’s nothing like the most important reason.
Ott Tänak is auctioning the Stilo crash helmet he wore to finish third at this month’s Rally Estonia.
The Betsafe-liveried lid (which carries signatures from all the factory drivers and co-drivers) will be sold to the highest bidder to raise money for the ‘Gift of Life’ Cancer Treatment Foundation.
The 2019 World Rally Champion said: “This year is the fifth anniversary of our partnership with Betsafe, so we decided that instead of an ordinary campaign we’d do something that would benefit those who need a helping hand the most,” Tänak explained.
“So, we’ve donated my helmet from Rally Estonia to the ‘Gift of Life’ foundation, who’ll be auctioning it off.
“All of the proceeds will go towards helping people who are battling cancer.
“Battling cancer is an incredibly hard and complex and lengthy process and demands so much strength from the patient and their loved ones.
“The support system that people have around them plays such an important role. ‘The Gift of Life’ is the last ray of hope for many of those the national health system is no longer able to help. The foundation has been operating for eight years now, and in that time, it’s helped more than 1500 families in Estonia, which shows just how important they are, and how much they’re needed.”
Toivo Tänavsuu, the founder of ‘The Gift of Life’ and one of its board members, thanked Tänak not only for donating his helmet in support of cancer patients, but for being such a positive role model on and off the stages.
Tänavsuu said: “The first driver to cross the finishing line wins the rally, and for cancer patients it’s a race against time as well.
“Through the auction we’ll be gifting the next person to reach out to our foundation with invaluable time surrounded by their loved ones.”
Tänak’s co-driver Martin Järveoja has already auctioned his own Rally Estonia crash helmet. Martins was bought by an anonymous bidder for €8,000, with the proceeds going to Tartu University Hospital Children’s’ Foundation to help children suffering from rare diseases.
Tänak’s Betsafe-supported auction begins at 1000 on July 27, 2022 and will end at 1600 on August 3, 2022. It is being held on Ott Tänak’s Facebook page with the helmet going to the person who puts in the highest bid. The starting bid is €1.00.
