Alex has good reason to call his helmet his ‘good luck charm’.
But now the helmet, along with Alex’s racing gloves and some parts salvaged from his Monza wreck, are up for auction at Wrest Point, Hobart, this Friday night (November 15).
Also going under the auctioneer’s hammer will be a host of luxury items and motorsport memorabilia signed by Formula 1 drivers.
The helmet saved the young Hobart racer’s life in a horrific FIA Formula 3 Championship crash at Monza on September 7. He was also wearing it when he won a prestigious Formula Renault Eurocup race at Monaco last year.
The fundraiser, compared by popular TV presenter and motorsport enthusiast Glenn Ridge, will support Alex’s return to motorsport in 2020.
“Naturally I’d love to keep the helmet, because together with the halo on the car it helped save my life and also because it’s the helmet I wore when I won at Monaco last year,” Peroni said.
“But if I’m going to get back racing in 2020, then we need the funds. It’s as simple as that.”
Alex was fortunate to escape from the 200km/h+ crash with a fractured vertebra. He’s hopeful of getting the medical all-clear in early-December to remove the back brace he’s had to wear, and resume training for the new season.
“I’m confident I can get back to a good level of fitness before pre-season testing early next year, but it’s going to take a lot of time in the gym, running and cycling,” he said.
“It’ll be hard work, but honestly I’m looking forward to it. The last few months have given me time to reflect on the future, and I’m more determined than ever to pursue my dream of becoming a professional racing driver.”
Alex will be joined at the fundraiser by title-winning Formula 1 Team Manager and award-winning international motorsport journalist, Peter Windsor – the man responsible for bringing Nigel Mansell’s name to the motor racing world and taking Mansell right through to the F1 World Championship.
Windsor has flown to Tasmania after attending the United States Grand Prix in Texas, and has brought some special items donated by Formula 1 drivers to be auctioned on the night.
“Alex’s accident shocked the motor racing world, not only because of its severity but also because it was the result of a tiny, common mistake that hundreds of drivers make throughout the year,” Windsor said.
“We all want to see him fully recovered and back on the grid as soon as possible. I believe he has enormous talent, and given the opportunity which he deserves then he has the ability to go all the way to Formula 1.
Bids on auction items can be registered before the event by contacting David Quinn (djq@bigpond.net.au ; Ph 0418 123 282).
The auction items include:
· Alex Peroni’s 2019 Monza race helmet and gloves.
· VIP package for two to the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, including airfares and four nights’ accommodation in Melbourne (donated by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Blundstone).
· Two nights of absolute luxury at the Saffire Freycinet coastal sanctuary, Tasmania (donated by Federal Hotels).
· Two VIP passes to Gin-uary, Tasmania’s unique gin festival (donated by Gin-uary).
· Handmade Italian leather bags (donated by Fellini, Hobart).
· Two signed magnums of 2008 Brunello wine (donated by the CEO of Ferrari, Louis Camilleri from his Montalcino vineyard).
· Artwork by Janet Bush, 2018 Henry Jones Art Prize finalist.
· Parts from Alex’s wrecked Formula 3 car, including the carbon fibre nose cone and engine cover, front aerofoils and end plates.
· Signed fire-resistant long-sleeved undershirt worn by Daniel Ricciardo in the 2019 Singapore GP.
· Signed Aston Martin Red Bull-Honda polo shirt worn by Max Verstappen in the 2019 US GP Drivers’ Parade.
· Signed Lewis Hamilton limited-edition Number 44 baseball cap.
· Signed fire-resistant long-sleeved undershirt worn by Kimi Raikkonen during the 2019 USGP Friday practice.
· 2019 USGP Official programme with the front cover signed by Lewis Hamilton (F1 World Drivers’ Champion 2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019), Mario Andretti (World Drivers’ Champion 1978; Indy 500 winner 1969), Sebastian Vettel (World Drivers’ Champion 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013), Damon Hill (F1 World Drivers’ Champion 1997), Jacques Villeneuve (World Drivers’ Champion 1998; Indy 500 and IndyCar series winner 1995), Nico Rosberg (World Drivers’ Champion 2016), Alain Prost (F1 World Drivers’ Champion 1985, 1986, 1989, 1993), Daniel Ricciardo (winner of seven F1 races), Toto Wolff (Team principal and CEO of Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport, F1 Constructors’ World Champion 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019), Stefano Domenicali (former Ferrari F1 Team Principal; Lamborghini CEO), Doug Hurley (NASA astronaut. Piloted Space Shuttle mission STS-127 July 15, 2009. Flew the final Space Shuttle program in July, 2011; and will launch again with SpaceX in 2020. First Marine to fly the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet).
Tax deductible donations to support Alex’s return to motorsport can also be made via the Australian Sports Foundation https://asf.org.au/athletes/get-alex-peroni-back-on-track/
