The Engineer Behind Your Helmet: Nick Kerscher on Racing, Innovation, and Rider Safety | One Gang Worldwide EP129

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of One Gang Worldwide, we sit down with Nick Kerscher, a lifelong rider whose journey took him from racing dirt bikes in Wisconsin to designing the helmets that protect riders around the world.Nick shares how his early days wrenching on his own bikes and racing District 16 shaped the way he thinks about performance and safety. We walk through his path into mechanical engineering, his early professional experience at Kimberly-Clark, and the pivotal role he played at 6D Helmets where the groundbreaking ODS system helped change the conversation around concussion protection.Today, Nick serves as Lead Development Engineer for powersports helmets at Fox Racing and Bell Helmets, where innovation, testing, and rider feedback drive every design decision.We dive deep into how helmets are developed from concept and CAD to lab testing, rider testing, and real-world validation while breaking down helmet safety and certification in a way every rider can understand. Nick also shares where helmet technology is headed next, the responsibility that comes with designing life-saving equipment, and advice for riders and engineers looking to follow a similar path.This episode is a rare behind-the-scenes look at the science, responsibility, and passion behind the helmets we trust every time we ride.00:00 Introduction to Nick Kerscher05:26 Nick's Early Life and Passion for Dirt Bikes10:28 Racing Days and Engineering Aspirations14:27 University Challenges and Career Beginnings20:24 First Engineering Job and Pursuing the Moto Industry27:13 Persistence Pays Off: Joining 6D Helmets29:32 Starting at 6D Helmets During COVID-1931:01 Engineering Role and Mentorship at 6D35:56 Transition to Fox and Bell37:52 Role and Responsibilities at Fox and Bell54:03 Future of Helmet Technology58:54 Advice for Aspiring Engineers59:55 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsConnect with Nick:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nkerscher/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/kersch703/Check Out Our Sponsors: LeatherUp - Use Code "CW20" at checkout for 20% off! : https://www.leatherup.com/  Connect with Cycles Worldwide: Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more episodes:    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9f5Fx7tVs67xgemZUFphaw Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551644038136 Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/cyclesworldwidellc/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-tokman-2a78a6284/ TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@cycles.worldwide