American motorcycle racing star Nicky Hayden passed away on May 22 at Maurizio Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy from injuries sustained during an incident while riding his bicycle last week. He was not only a champion on the track, Hayden was also huge fan favorite off it due to his kind nature, relaxed, laid back attitude and easy going smile. Hayden’s professionalism and fighting spirit were the hallmarks of a career that saw him reach the highest level in motorcycle racing. He won the MotoGP championship in 2006. The overwhelming response expressed by fellow racers and his legions of fans all over the world are testament to his character.
Born to Earl and Rose Hayden in what would be his lifelong hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky, on July 30, 1981, Hayden was the middle sibling to Tommy, Jenny, Roger and Kathleen. The family was a fixture on the amateur flat track scene, and the brothers eventually also took up club road racing in the early ’90s, racing Honda RS125s with support and guidance from Moto Liberty.
One year after turning pro, Nicky signed with American Honda in 1999 to race multiple AMA classes for Kevin Erion’s Erion Racing satellite squad. By the end of a season-long title battle with Tommy, “The Kentucky Kid” earned the AMA Supersport crown, was named AMA Flat Track Rookie of the Year, and was promoted to Honda’s factory effort to begin campaigning the premier AMA Superbike division.
In 2002, Nicky took the Daytona 200 victory on his way to becoming the youngest-ever AMA Superbike Champion. The same year, he rode privateer Honda machinery in a part-time effort in the AMA Grand National Championship series, making history when he, Tommy, and Roger finished 1-2-3 at the Springfield TT, becoming the only brothers in AMA Pro history to sweep a professional podium.
Nicky remained extremely close to his family. His signature No. 69 was actually on loan from his father Earl, and his parents and siblings could regularly be spotted at his events. One year ago, he was engaged to longtime girlfriend Jacqueline Marin.
Tommy Hayden’s statement: “On behalf of the whole Hayden family and Nicky’s fiancée Jackie I would like to thank everyone for their messages of support – it has been a great comfort to us all knowing that Nicky has touched so many people’s lives in such a positive way. Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle. He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming World Champion. We are all so proud of that. Apart from these ‘public’ memories, we will also have many great and happy memories of Nicky at home in Kentucky, in the heart of the family. We will all miss him terribly. It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days we hope to have Nicky home soon.”
Hayden’s Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team said: “The ‘Kentucky Kid’ will be sorely missed by all that ever had the pleasure of meeting him or the privilege to see him race a motorcycle around a track, be it dirt or asphalt. The racing world says goodbye to one of its dearest sons. Rest in peace Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Patrick Hayden.”
Marco Chini, WorldSBK Operations Manager, Honda Motor Europe: “It seems impossible that Nicky is no longer with us. Nicky was not only an outstanding rider, but also a shining example of sporting ethos and professionalism. The “Kentucky Kid” perfectly represented the values of the sport and the American school of motorcycling. The level of affection and support that the global sports community has shown Nicky demonstrates how much his kind persona and his genuine passion for motorcycling have left a mark in the hearts of motorsport enthusiasts and insiders, and his incredible legion of fans around the world. It is such a shame we only had eighteen months working together, but we have many happy memories during this time. Seeing Nicky return to the top step of the podium in Sepang last year was very special and also his podium at Laguna Seca was a real proud moment as Nicky was always so passionate when racing in front of his home fans. Thank you for everything Nicky; we will always remember you fondly, and you will be sorely missed.”
Ronald Ten Kate, Team Manager, Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team: “This is a huge shock to me, the whole team, the World Superbike paddock and actually the entire racing world. We only had the pleasure to work with Nicky for one-and-a-half years but we came to know him like all his previous teams spoke about him: fanatical about bikes, hard-working, charismatic but above all, he was pure and genuine. He was Nicky! He will be missed by all of us and I hope he will be an example for any young talent trying to reach the top as Nicky did himself. We wish the Hayden family and his fiancée Jackie all the strength they will need. Rest in peace Nicky Hayden.”
MotoAmerica’s statement: “It goes without saying that Nicky was America’s biggest road racing icon of his generation, accomplishing the sport’s highest levels of achievement. We were privileged to watch him hone his talents on dirt tracks across the country before his next step of becoming an AMA Supersport Champion and then the youngest AMA Superbike Champion in history. Hayden’s and his family’s contributions to the sport of motorcycle racing, particularly in the U.S., will forever be remembered and cherished. Nicky and the Hayden family will always hold a special place in the hearts of racing fans around the world and MotoAmerica will honor his legacy throughout the 2017 season.
MotoAmerica President Wayne Rainey said: “I’ve known Nicky and his family since they started taking road racing seriously. His natural dirt tracking talent made his transition to road racing seamless. Nicky worked hard, but his passion and desire to be the best was as strong as his work ethic. Being crowned MotoGP World Champion in 2006 was the reward for years of hard work. I believe Nicky loved the challenge and it’s what he was born to do. What really stands out for me was his character and the way he treated others with respect and kindness. I am very sad and Nicky will be missed by all of us.”
The American Motorcyclist Association extended its sympathies to Hayden’s fiancée, family and friends: “The loss of Nicky Hayden will be felt across the racing world, on the track and off,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hayden family during this difficult time.”
American Honda mourns the loss of a friend and racing hero: “It is with profound sadness that American Honda marks the passing of longtime Honda racer Nicky Hayden. Nicky has been a beloved part of the American Honda family since his early AMA days. We have celebrated his many successes together, and enjoyed his occasional visits to the office and Honda pits at a variety of U.S. racing events. This loss is truly the loss of one of our own, and will be felt forever. Our thoughts are with Nicky’s family, friends, team, competitors, and many, many fans during this difficult time. HRC signed Nicky to the factory Repsol Honda MotoGP squad for 2003, and the 2005 season saw him score an emotional debut victory at Laguna Seca, his home round.”
The following are reflections from some of the people who worked with Nicky through American Honda:
Danny Walker, who supported the Hayden brothers’ early amateur racing efforts through Moto Liberty and works with many top American racers and today, said: “I was working on the Haydens’ bikes when they came to Moto Liberty, and that’s kind of when I got my start helping younger riders. Most of the kids that I’ve helped since then, I’ve used Nicky as the baseline because of his dedication, focus, and drive. To this day, I always ask the kids, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ They all say, ‘professional racer,’ so I open my wallet and say, ‘Congratulations, here’s 5 bucks to ride today, you’ve achieved your goal.’ Then I say, ‘You know what Nicky Hayden said when I asked him that question at your age? He said he wanted to be a multi-time world champion.’ I think that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about him.”
Gary Mathers, who was Motorcycle Sports Racing Manager when Nicky signed with American Honda in 1999, said: “Earl used to bug me at the races, saying I should hire his kids, and then one day my parts man, Brian Uchida, came into my office and laid down an article on the Hayden boys. I read it and said, ‘Have you seen them?’ He said, ‘No, but I know people who have, and you need to hire Nicky.’ And so I did, even though I didn’t know anything except that the Haydens were nice people. He has to be one of the best riders I’ve ever worked with. He’d ask me from time to time if he was doing okay, and he would thank me just bout every time I saw him. I still get a card from that family every Christmas, and I’ve been retired for 16 years.”
Brian Uchida, who was the Haydens’ first point of contact at American Honda when they ordered parts for their club-racing RS125s, said: “The Hayden family has always been so impressive—both the parents and the kids—just really good for racing and the industry. He had so much respect for racing. After he won the AMA Supersport title, we asked him to concentrate on Superbike, and he said, ‘Isn’t there a responsibility to wear the No. 1?’ A lot of riders are the opposite—’Do I have to ride the 600?’—but Nicky was thinking beyond the average racer. Ever since he left here for MotoGP, we’ve always looked for Nicky in the results. I understand he was immediately very popular at HRC for his effort and humility, and he quickly became a part of the international Honda family. His Laguna Seca wins and the World Championship were so special. There’s a really strong feeling for the Haydens and Nicky at American Honda because he’s been such a good person for this company.”
Kevin Erion, who runs Erion Racing, for whom Nicky raced in 1999, said: “I guess you always know when you’ve got somebody with a something a little bit more than is normal, and we realized right away with Nicky that there was something special going on. He was super-easy to work with, very enjoyable, never demanding, and very appreciative. I’ve enjoyed continuing to follow his career ever since.”
Ray Blank, who was the Vice President of American Honda during Nicky’s AMA career and retired in 2012, said: “The whole Honda family and Hayden family pretty much grew up together, so this is a crushing blow for all of us. Nicky was always the perfect one to have on the team. One time after he came into the official team, he’d had a bad day at the track, and I went over to him and said, ‘Hey, don’t feel so bad. There’s always tomorrow.’ He turned to me and said, ‘No. I’ve got to feel this way. That’s what’s going to make me a champion. I’ve always got to do my best.’ Even with me trying to lift the burden off of him, he kept putting it back on himself, and I think that’s just who he was.”
Gary Christopher, who was Senior Manager, Motorcycle Press and Motorcycle Sports when Nicky rode for American Honda, said: “From the very beginning, we knew Nicky was special. He was just so energetic, so likeable, a genuine kind of guy. He loved motorcycles and he loved racing. I’ll never forget a story that his mom told me. She said Nicky couldn’t wait to get home after school and get on his motorcycle and ride on their backyard track. She found out that sometimes he was skipping school to do that, so she had a heart-to-heart talk with him: ‘I never want to see you skip school again unless it’s something really bad, like you’re sick.’ He said, ‘Okay Mom.’ A few days later, she got a call from his teacher: ‘Ms. Hayden, I just want to let you know Nicky went home because he had a headache.’ Sure enough, Nicky’s out back on his minibike, doing laps. I think that shows how committed Nicky was and how much he loved it, from the very beginning. That translated into what we came to see not only as a U.S. Superbike Champion, but a World Champion. Quite a few years ago, I had one of many great talks that I’ve enjoyed with Earl Hayden over the years, and he told me that as the boys were coming up racing, he told them it was important for them to apply themselves as hard as they could to be the best racers possible, but that wasn’t the most important thing in life. The most important thing was to be good people with good hearts and good spirits. And I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone live that out better than Nicky has. That’s just him: a good heart and a good spirit. Everybody loved him. He had a great charm about him and he was the kind of kid that was so special in his talent, but he never let it go to his head.”
Ray Plumb, who was a coordinator for Team Honda during Nicky’s AMA career and is now a District Service Manager based in Colorado, said: ”Nicky was the next young-gun – the up-and-coming guy– but what I really remember is that he was a very polite young racer, and you had to respect that. He always had a quiet little smirk on his face, but there were no excuses with Nicky. He’d go out there and get the job done, and if he had a problem, he was pretty good at communicating with Merlyn Plumlee (his late crew chief). Those guys made a good team. It’s just refreshing when you can work with somebody like Nicky because he’s a professional and you knew what you got every time you were at the racetrack. He came to fight. Everyone at American Honda really respects the whole family.”
Dan Fahie was a mechanic at Team Honda beginning in 1998, by which point he had already been helping the Haydens for a year and is currently the Senior Racing Manager of Motocross at Kawasaki. He said: “With Nicky, I think of a man that has the burn to go motorcycle racing. One thing that stands out was probably in 2000, when we had a test at Willow Springs. He’d stay at my house, and at 4:30 a.m. we’d jump in my wife’s car and drive up there. He’d test all day and we’d jump in the car and drive back. Anybody that knows Nick knows that he’s a better passenger than a driver. He’d just sit there, and I’d rabbit on to him for hours, burning his eardrums out talking about the sky, motorcycles, whatever. I never took the highway—always all these back roads through fields and stuff. As usual, he had the seat reclined all the way back, and I was kind of beating around the bush about something he should be doing different or something. All of a sudden the seat comes up, and he says, ‘You need to understand something right now: I have everything I’ve got into this, and I’ve only got one shot. If you see me making one mistake, you’ve got to tell me right away.’ I said, ‘All right, I’ll do it.’ And he laid the seat back down and that was it. That’s what kind of guy he is. Every fiber of his being is dedicated to what he wants to achieve.”
Miguel Duhamel, who was Nicky’s teammate at Team Honda, said: “It’s so great to be around that quality of people. He was so witty, and I genuinely enjoyed my time with him, talking in the team room or whatever. We’d always share information about stuff that worked or didn’t work, and there are things you make notes of when you’re dicing together. But sometimes people assume too much that guys know what to do off the track, and the PR effect that has on Honda or people in management. You’re not just being paid to race the bike; you’ve also got to represent the company and even yourself a little bit. That doesn’t mean you can’t have any fun and you just have to be a robot out there, and Nicky definitely didn’t miss out on life; he just made sure he had the right people around him. Honestly, Nicky may have already had that down, but maybe I confirmed it for him. He was an awesome person and a world champion, and I’m very proud if I played a small part in that.”
Chuck Miller, who became Motorcycle Sports Racing Manager beginning in 2001 and was in the role when Nicky won the AMA Superbike title in 2002 and is currently Senior Manager of National Sales, said: “Nicky was always an integral part of our racing history, winning 600 and Superbike championships in America before becoming a MotoGP champion. But more than his racing success is just his relationship and how empowering that has been through his career. We were so fortunate to get him back after Ducati, and then growing our relationship into World Superbike has been great for the American Honda family. Our thoughts and wishes and prayers are with his family as they go through this difficult time. He has a great relationship with many companies and that’s a tribute to what kind of individual he is. He’s probably like one of five that are out there—or that have ever been out there. Many of us have great fond memories, but also great struggles. Obviously the fond ones are when you win a championship and are standing on the podium with him, but the challenges are what it took to get there—the crashes when you’re going to the hospital with him. We had a lot of those before he became champion, and like with anyone you go through the thick and thin with, it forms a bond.”
Chuck Boderman Vice President, American Honda Motorcycle Division said: “I was working in the field when Nicky started in Supersport, and it was really the ‘Race on Sunday, sell on Monday’ thing—all the dealers would be talking about Nicky, and customers were on the floor buying a CBR. Then when he was doing Superbike and the transition into MotoGP, I was here at corporate and saw it from that perspective. You realize it’s not just a local thing; he had that same impact everywhere around the world. I remember a dealer trip we had to Japan, and Nicky was going to be riding in MotoGP at Motegi the next day. Our V.P. at that point was pretty tight with Nicky, and asked him, ‘Can you surprise the dealers?’ You’d think this would be Nicky’s last priority in the world at that point, but he went out of his way to come to Tokyo where we were staying and surprise the dealers. And when he does stuff like that, he always does it so naturally. It was never a matter of just showing up for Nicky; he was always present and engaged. So many other people here had deeper relationships with him, but he always made me feel like I knew him, just like he did with everyone else. We brought him up here to the fourth floor for a Q&A after he won the MotoGP championship, and it was like he was in our living room. I see Nicky and I think inspiration, determination, and family. We use that word so much with the Haydens, but it really is a family affair with them, like an extended team. Everybody here is praying for Nicky, and we all have his whole family and his fiancée Jackie in our hearts. There’s nobody walking around here for whom that’s not the case.”
Suzuki joined the rest of the motorcycling community in mourning the loss of 2006 MotoGP World Champion Nicky Hayden: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the Hayden family,” said Kerry Graeber, Suzuki Motor of America’s Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “And our thoughts of hope and comfort go out to Nicky’s brother Roger, who is a part of the Suzuki family. Nicky was not only a great racer, but also a wonderful human being, and a true ambassador of motorcycling. He will be missed terribly.”
Racers from all forms of motorsports reached out on Twitter to express their sympathies as well, showing how deeply Hayden’s character touched people:
Remembering Nicky Hayden, via @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/pxAwdnNYsr
— MotoGP Fan Zone (@bgmotogp) May 23, 2017
Nicky Hayden 1981-2017. We all will miss you pic.twitter.com/k0uyowmv9Z
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) May 22, 2017
Indianapolis tribute to Nicky Hayden 2017#kentuckykid pic.twitter.com/2WmcCr84YV
— Autosport pictures (@Autosporthelmet) May 23, 2017
Sickkkkest flat track photo in history. @NickyHayden being the badass he was, legendary photographer Bert Shepard capturing the moment 📷✊🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/Oh0ZN1YO0d
— Flat Track Live (@FlatTrackLive) May 23, 2017
“When you dedicate your life to something and it comes true, it means so much” – Nicky Hayden pic.twitter.com/ELkkf8pXm7
— alpinestars (@alpinestars) May 22, 2017
GALLERY: Nicky Hayden’s outstanding career in pictures:https://t.co/9Llmrz5sBr #MotoGP #WorldSBK pic.twitter.com/eGyR1pEzEr
— Motorsport.com (@Motorsport) May 23, 2017
🎥 @gregwhite celebrates @NickyHayden‘s life & career❤ Gone but never forgotten #RideOnKentuckyKid
Full Video 👉🏼 https://t.co/MvJl3n7EP1 pic.twitter.com/PM6t5iBrpN
— beIN MOTOR SPORTS (@beINMOTOR) May 22, 2017
