Some partnerships start as business and become something more. Ours with Grant Thomson is one of those.
We first met Grant on the Isle of Man. One of the nicest lads you’ll come across in any paddock — no ego, no attitude, just a young rider with real talent and a genuine love of road racing. We knew from the off we wanted to be part of his journey. That was a few helmets ago now.
Three helmets in. Another on the way.
We’ve painted three lids for Grant so far, with a fourth already taking shape in the studio. Each one follows the same core livery — but look closely and they’re all different. Small tweaks, subtle evolutions, details most people at trackside would never spot. That’s intentional. Grant has a look that’s recognisably his own, but every helmet that comes through here gets something new. No two are identical. They never should be.
2026 — a season that tests character
Grant opened his 2026 campaign with a statement. At the Pre-TT Classic at Billown, he won the Junior Superbike race and topped qualifying. Clean, dominant, exactly the kind of performance that announces a rider means business.
Then came the North West 200. His debut at the Triangle Course ended in qualifying when he suffered a broken ankle in a crash. Ruled out for the rest of the event. Most people would have gone home, put their feet up and written off the summer. Grant made clear he’d come back stronger — and he meant it.
Weeks later, still working back to full fitness, he lined up at the Southern 100 and put in solid championship results at one of the most unforgiving short circuits in road racing. No drama. No excuses. Just racing.
The Mountain Course awaits
The biggest chapter of Grant’s 2026 is still ahead. He returns to the Snaefell Mountain Course for the Manx Grand Prix, 16–24 August. Last year he was the fastest newcomer — posting a 113.040mph lap on his first competitive outing on the Mountain Course, riding for The People’s Bike Team. That doesn’t happen by accident.
He goes back this year with more miles, a point to prove, and that same livery on his lid.
Grant carries the X
We back Grant because he’s fast and because he’s going places. But honestly, we back him because he’s Grant — a good person who represents everything worth following in road racing.
As far as X-Paint is concerned, he carries the X for as long as he wants to. This is a partnership, not a transaction, and the story is only just getting started.
We’ll be watching from Camberley — with the next lid already in progress.
Grant rides for Gorilla Racing / Duckshaw Racing. Follow his season on Facebook: Grant Thomson Racing.
X-Paint — Sandown Coachworks, Camberley, Surrey. Painting race helmets for 38 years.
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