Shoei Safety Helmet Corporation is excited to announce the signing of a multi-year contract with 2008 AMA Road Race Rookie of the Year Tommy Aquino. Tommy will compete in the 2009 AMA Daytona Sportbike Championship aboard a Graves Motorsports Yamaha YZF-R6.

Shoei has been protecting Tommy since his days in the amateur ranks. After turning 16 and earning his AMA Pro license in May, Tommy began turning heads with very solid rides that indicate that Tommy will be a front runner in 2009. Tommy hopes to join 2008 Shoei champions Ben Bostrom and Jake Zemke as the next Shoei racer to earn an AMA number one plate.

According to Tommy, "I am very happy to be a part of the Shoei team. I appreciate the top quality helmets and race support that Shoei offers, and all I can say is that I am very lucky to be a part of their program. I am looking forward to continuing my association with such a well respected company, and having a safe and awesome looking helmet at my side on the podium in 2009!"

"Watching Tommy progress from the amateur to pro ranks has been a real treat for us. Tommy is a spectacular young man, both on and off the track, and we look forward to supporting him throughout his racing career. We are confident that as Tommy progresses, he will become an increasingly more important part of Shoei's marketing program," said Shoei's Marketing Manager, Bret Milan.

Tommy will be protected by Shoei's X-Eleven road race helmet in his quest to become the AMA Daytona Sportbike champion in 2009.