Monterey, CA July 24, 2011 – While Yamaha’s Factory MotoGP team switched to red-and-white livery at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to commemorate the company’s 50th year in World Grand Prix racing, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike rider Melissa Paris switched the signature red-and-white livery on her HT Moto Yamaha YZF-R6®, her leathers, and her helmet to the color pink for Passionately Pink for the Cure®, an awareness and fundraising program benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
And, now that the race weekend is over, Melissa is auctioning off her special-edition Joe Rocket RKT-201 Carbon Fiber helmet that was painted by Nick Battaglia of Loose Cannon Customs (www.nickbattagliapaint.com). Melissa wore the helmet during Sunday’s Daytona SportBike race. To bid on the one-of-a-kind, race-worn helmet, visit eBay and search for Item Number 140583780376 to place your bid.
Along with the prominent pink graphics on her R6, Melissa also displayed the names of 14 people who were honored through donations to her fundraising campaign. Among those names was Gina Nadeau, who is Josh Hayes’ long-time manager and mentor. Josh, who is Melissa’s husband, affectionately refers to Gina as “Boss,” and Melissa displayed the words “For Boss” on the back of her Joe Rocket leathers.