The Husky Helmet Car, Powered by HomeStreet Bank, Returns
9/3/2021
One of the most cherished traditions in University of Washington Football history has returned.
The Husky Helmet Car is back! Retired at the conclusion of the 2011 season with the renovation of Husky Stadium – and elimination of the track – the helmet car has been redesigned and reimagined for 2021 and beyond.
In tribute to the original tradition, the car will go in motion after every UW score, cruising behind the east end zone. Fans will also be able take pictures with the car before every game in the Zone, which opens two hours before kickoff.
The process of constructing the new helmet car comes thanks to the support of HomeStreet Bank – and from the insistence of head coach, Jimmy Lake.
“Tradition is so important here at UW and is what makes college football so special,” said Lake. “From talking to fans, and listening to our most passionate supporters, what I heard over and over again was, ‘You have to bring back the helmet car!’ I’m so excited to give fans back this tradition that is very special to so many people,” Lake continued.
A proud partner and supporter of UW Athletics since 2016, HomeStreet Bank jumped at the opportunity to participate in restoring the tradition to Husky Football game days.
"We have a long history in Seattle – 100 years, this year – and couldn’t be more excited to help bring the Helmet Car back to Husky Stadium, which also recently turned 100."Mark Mason, President and CEO, HomeStreet Bank.
This next generation Helmet Car is built on a golf cart chassis, making it lighter and sleeker than its Volkswagen predecessor, enabling it to navigate the tighter confines of the new stadium and field.
As legend has it, the origin story of the first Husky Helmet Car dates back to 1977. While the Husky football team prepared for the Rose Bowl, several Dawg fans took it upon themselves to construct the helmet car on a VW chassis with the goal of driving it all the way to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl Parade.
Though the car never made the trip to Pasadena, it did find its way to Husky Stadium for the ensuing season. From that point forward, the helmet car made itself at home inside the stadium on game days. Driven by members of the Husky marching band, and adorned by both band and cheer team members, the car would celebrate UW scores by driving a lap around the track.
After the 2011 season, the UW football stadium went through a re-construction and eliminated the surrounding track. As a result, the helmet car was officially retired and donated to the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) in Seattle’s South Lake Union during a public ceremony in 2013.
After a decade-long hiatus, a vehicular UW helmet will again punctuate the celebration of Husky scoring plays.
“We have the greatest fans in college football. The helmet car is for you!”Jimmy Lake