Helmets are for pussies

American stunt team The Starboyz were threatened with a ban by the local health and safety executive when they turned up to perform at the weekend’s MCN-backed Scottish Motorcycle Show.

The team, not known for being particularly safety conscious, were told they had to wear helmets or they would not be allowed to perform.

Founder member Scott Caraboolad told MCN: ” The guy was real upset when we told him that helmets are for pussies and that you don’t need one if you know how to ride properly. ”

Lids were organised for them and their show eventually went ahead. The crowds were then treated to a tyre-shredding frenzy of rolling burn-outs, wheelies and stoppies.

The Starboyz topped the bill at the Show’s Bridgestone Action Zone. Despite biting cold, the stunt display was packed out for both Saturday performances as they joined European stunt champion Kevin Carmichael, the madcap Purple Helmets and new international talent, Mokas.

” I can’t believe how many people over here know us. The reaction has been great, ” said Caraboolad. ” We were out in Edinburgh and taxi drivers were shouting across the street at us, yelling: ‘Wow, you’re the Starboyz!’ It’s our first time in Europe – we can’t believe the reception. It’s all been really fantastic. ”

And their presence helped set a record attendance for the opening day of the MCN-backed show, with crowds up by 20 per cent on 2001.

British Superbike star Steve Hislop was named Scottish Motorcycle Personality of the Year at the Edinburgh event.

You can meet the Starboyz this weekend at Sutton Motorcycles in Boldmere Road, Sutton Coldfield, Warks, on Saturday (0121-354-6901) and the Ace Café on the North Circular Road in Stonebridge, London, on Sunday (020-8961-1000).