The motorcycle world lost a true champion on Monday when 35-year-old Nicky Hayden passed away from injuries sustained in a cycling accident. Hayden was struck by a vehicle in Italy while training for the Misano round of the World Superbike series and succumbed to those injuries despite being placed in a medically induced coma.
Affectionately known as the ‘Kentucky Kid’, Hayden hailed from Owensboro, Kentucky, and was beloved by everyone in the paddock. He began racing at the tender age of three and went on to win the AMA 600 Supersport title in 1999, and AMA’s Superbike championship in 2002, becoming the youngest-ever champion of that series.
One of Hayden’s greatest accomplishments was winning the MotoGP title with Honda in 2006. A dream of his since he was a boy, Hayden defeated the likes of Casey Stoner, Dani Pedrosa, and Valentino Rossi to take the crown. Hayden was the last American to accomplish this feat, a record that will likely stand for some time to come.
SCARPERIA, ITALY – JUNE 04: The MotoGP family on track during the “69 Seconds Of Silence for Nicky Hayden the Kentucky Kid” during the MotoGP race during the MotoGp of Italy – Race at Mugello Circuit on June 4, 2017, in Scarperia, Italy. (Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images)
After his successful MotoGP career, Hayden switched to World Superbike in 2015 where he finished fifth his first year in the series and was running 13th overall for the 2017 season.
Hayden may have been a demon on the track, but it was his warm, charismatic personality off the track that most will remember him by. He brought a fresh sense of authenticity to the sport with his Southern drawl and infectious smile.
Hayden’s brother Tommy, himself a motorcycle racer, said in a statement, “Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest – riding a motorcycle.”
For me personally, Hayden will always be a special rider. The first MotoGP race I watched in person was at Laguna Seca during his championship run in 2006. Seeing an American take victory on that spectacular track under the warm California sunshine remains one of my most treasured memories.
“Hayden will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced throughout an incredible career, his millions of fans around the world, and all those closest to him. We wish to pass on our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, team, and colleagues as we sadly bid farewell to the ‘Kentucky Kid’ far too soon — a true legend of the sport, and to all those who knew him,” MotoGP said on its website.
Our thoughts are prayers are with the entire Hayden family. Ride on, Kentucky Kid.