The team helmet is not free if you qualify. I don't know how it works now, but back in '98, the team helmet "issue" was an Arai VX Pro already painted, with a white visor. You can paint your own helmet to cheap out, or to please sponsors and wear what you're advertising. Problem with the team helmet is that it was $500. Yep, you're buying it. Qualifying is a priveledge that few receive, and it is very costly when you add up all the fees, you end up paying for everything. That's the reason I'd prefer to have my helmet painted, since I already have two perfectly good, recently new Arai helmets. I also plan to forgoe the Team container and that fee and drive to Mexico. I don't know what the entry fee will be for Mexico, but as I recall, it's about $600 just for entry. I'm very fortunate to have a tire sponsor locked up, so that will save roughly $1200.