Russian Igor Plechanov
seen in his later years with his Czech Golden Helmets,
#.16 (1964, - the first 'cinders' year,) and #.18 (1966).
Pardubice Golden Ribbon
Run in conjunction with the Golden Helmet as a junior event on the opening day, the Golden Ribbon contest was initiated in 1975 and also gives juniors a qualification route to the senior competition.
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The Golden Helmet Of Zarnovica, Slovakia
The Zarnovica Golden Helmet, though a newer competition than that of Pardubice has nonetheless been raced for for over 50 years, though never matching the status of its neighbour in its Czechoslovak sister state. The cinder track was built in 1953 when initially a 'Silver Helmet of Zarnovica' was first competed for.
The Golden Helmet competition began in '59 in nearby Banska Bystrica, relocated to Zarnovice in 1962, and has been raced for every year since 1969. Though an Open Invitation meeting it has not attracted the same calibre of riders as Pardubice, being predominantly from the Eastern Communist Bloc. Only in 1992 with Armando Castagna's success, was the winner not from an East European country.
A triple winner of 3 annual competitions gets to retain his Golden Helmet. Thus far Czech heros Jiri Stancl and Anton Kasper jnr, each with 5 wins, in the '70s and '80s respectively, have claimed a permanent helmet.
Left: 2010 winner Matej Kus of Czechia, with Martin Vaculik, Slovakia, & Dino Kovacic, Croatia.
above: Action at Zarnovica in the 2010 competion. above: Anniversary programme,
200th speedway meeting,
below: 2010 prizes of Golden Helmet and Cup. (33rd G.H,) 1996
