I rarely reflect on my past, instead I am always thinking of how I can move forward and better help people with what their future riding holds for them. This last week was a bit different for me. As I get older it’s becoming harder to not look back and think of things that shaped what STAR has become and me. Growing up around racing with my father were highlights that I look back on but there has been certain years that stick out more than others.
I bring this up because as I watched Nicky Hayden announce his move to the WSBK Championship for 2016 I couldn’t help but notice the disappointment in his face that he wasn’t going to be riding the premier class in the world anymore. I am probably very biased but I believe in Nicky in whatever class he chooses to ride. I have taken him in my Moto GP pool for the past 4 years because I know the effort he puts in and the desire he has to still win. Plus, I’d feel guilty if I didn’t choose him, I think that much of him. 
I was Nicky’s first teammate in 1998. Sure, he teamed with his brothers before me but I was the first outside the family teammate. I had a decent year winning the 750 Supersport Championship the year before for Hyper Cycle Suzuki. When I found out they were interested in hiring Nicky I fully pushed for it. Nicky had a quiet confidence about him and was an absolute sponge. Ears were always open and anything he thought he could put into his arsenal he did it. He was crafty about it also, but always had that grin going. I won’t get into a ton of details but what I will say is that his talent and work ethic were amazing as a 16 year old.
Back then the grids were full of talented guys. Didn’t really seem to phase Nick, he was going to the front and learning as he goes. I remember a race at Mid Ohio on the 750s where we had broke away from everyone behind us. I was in 2nd, chasing him and believe it or not, I was laughing. Sure, you always want to beat your teammate but on this day, Nicky was better than I was. I chased him and we broke the lap record on probably half of the laps of the race but try as I might, I couldn’t catch the little punk. On the podium that day I remember seeing all his family and how stoked they were, I was ok with it. At Infineon earlier in the year it was the exact same kind of race but the other way around. Nick pushed me hard and I kept going faster but never saw more than +1 on the board. As I chased him at Mid Ohio I could see he learned something every time and was only going to get better. I loved being paired up with Nick and was sad it was only for one year but bigger and better things were available to him to further his career.
Nicky made me better those days even though to some it may have looked the other way around. I was and have been so proud to see everything he has accomplished. In 2006 I would get up early to watch all the Moto GP races. I think I woke the neighborhood when Pedrosa took him out at Portugal. My computer almost went through a window. But as usual, Nicky handled it with class, thanked Toni Elias for beating Rossi that day and moved on to the final round in Valencia. I was there the day he won the Championship, wouldn’t have missed it. As he sprayed the champagne I remember seeing all his family just as I did at Mid Ohio that day, cool stuff.
I know Nicky will be ready for the 2016 WSBK Championship. He will have a new focus and new goals. He goes on more PR tours than most and is so generous at every stop. Sure we have lost our last American in Moto GP but we have gained a new bit of hope in WSBK. The Ten Kate team is a World Championship proven team and Nicky will get the most out of that bike. Having a young and aggressive teammate in Michael Van de Mark will push him also.
With any luck I will be booking a plane ticket in the next few years to watch Nicky become the first rider to win both Moto GP and WSBK Championships. I mean how could I miss that moment of celebration with all the rest of the family?
Ride Safe everyone,
JP
Nicky could be the first person ever to win AMA, WSK and Moro GP titles.. Didn’t understand why he turned down full Ducati WSK ride a couple years ago instead choosing to ride CRT bike for 15th place
Greg, thanks for your reply. As a racer you always want to race in the best series you can. Nicky’s heart was with Moto GP and I think at the time the Ducati WSBK deal didn’t mean much to him, in fact i know that was the case. I think the last couple years have been really tough and he wants to go back to somewhere with a factory team and have the chance to win. Hopefully he can do that.
Thanks Jason for a very nice reflection. I am wondering who will be the next American on the MotoGP grid. I wish Nicky all the best in WSBK.
Thanks for writing in, I am glad you liked the column. I think we are at least 5 years away till an American gets back over there into the Premier class. Sad case is that our series hasn’t been on the radar for a while but with MotoAmerica finishing its first year pretty well, that should change. We have some great young talent coming up.
Most love Nicky for his hard work and positive attitude. I’d like to simply say he won the 2006 Championship by five points mostly due to the bad luck of Valentino Rossi who suffered three retirements that year, a loss of 75 points. I wish him the very best in WSBK, but no rider has had the ability to evolve in their old age like Valentino Rossi.
The 2006 MotoGP season was one of the closest battles and most thrilling in recent memory in which Honda’s Nicky Hayden didn’t claim the championship from Valentino Rossi until the final race of the year. The victory was Hayden’s first World Championship. Seven different riders claimed Grand Prix victories including first time winners Dani Pedrosa, Toni Elías and Troy Bayliss. Yamaha’s Valentino Rossi fought back from a 51-point deficit to lead the championship going into the final rounds. Hayden’s fortunes took a dip when he was taken out by his team-mate Pedrosa at the penultimate round in Portugal, but he bounced back to win the crown when Rossi crashed in the final race at Valencia. The championship, interestingly, was won through consistency, as Hayden only won two races. Rossi had five wins, but the Yamaha suffered a number of mechanical issues which led to retirements. Also, the surprise win of Elias in Portugal, with a margin of just 0.002 second over Rossi, proved to be a major decider in the championship. Rossi had given up five points in that round, the same amount by which he was behind Hayden in the final standings. Had there been a tie, Rossi would have been crowned World Champion due to more race victories than Hayden
Thanks Bruce. It was a crazy year in 2006. You can break down every season but at the end of the year there is only one Champion. No matter how he got it, Nicky earned it. Same to be said for this year, Jorge is fastest but he is 18 points back. When those guys are collection their Championship bonuses, they don’t care how they got it. Some would say that Vale has been lucky this year and had things fall his way. I think he is the smartest guy out there and takes advantage of everything he can, guy in the best there has ever been.
I think people casually forget that the machine Hayden was riding on was a developmental mule that Dani Pedrosa turned down before the season began. Hayden was riding an “evolution” machine that, based on HRC leadership, was no better than, quote, a 5th place machine.
While the M1 of Rossi suffered from a number of mechanical issues, Hayden was battling a clutch problem that plagued his entire 2006 entire season, coupled with the fact that he was testing parts throughout for the development of the RC212V. That persistent clutch problem affected a number of races, including most every start of the race. In other words, it wasn’t easy for Nicky either. Yet, not once did he complain. He was the consummate “company man.”
People also only remember the result of Valencia, that Troy Bayliss won and that Dani Pedrosa let Nicky get through. What people don’t remember was, up until Rossi crashed, Nicky was charging (much like Jason remarked upon above). And that Dani let Nicky pass, Pedrosa ended up fading back in the latter portions of the race, unable to maintain the pace at the sharp end. Nicky was prepared to win the race, but he didn’t need to.
Discount Nicky’s championship all you want, in the history books, he’s a world champion. If you want to be a champion, you deal with all the bumps along the way. You need to finish races. And a little luck goes a long way. I mean, look at the championship THIS year. Lorenzo is the one with more wins than Rossi, but Rossi is poised to win yet another WC. Lorenzo had a string of DNFs and poor luck, but no one is going to put an asterisks next to Rossi’s (potential) WC.
That said, it’s unfortunate that Nicky isn’t an -ish (British, Spanish, Italianish), otherwise he’d still be in the championship on a bike worthy of his credentials. Yeah, he didn’t get the results on the RC212V, but who did? Yeah, he didn’t get the results on the GP11-14, but who did? He’s out of the premier class because he’s an American and there’s no support (monetary or otherwise) for an American in this class, otherwise, it would’ve been him on the RC213V with factory support, not the terrible Scott Redding.
Sorry to hear he’s giving up his dream, but I want him to keep racing competitively and it wasn’t gonna happen in GP. Wish he could’ve gone to the Ducati team, then I could root for my favorite rider on my favorite brand. Now if he could get Ducati to come race in the states again with him on board, duking it out with Chub.
Randy, thanks for the reply. I think Nicky was in a place where he wanted to stay in Moto GP when he was offered the Ducati WSBK deal. When Honda says things are going to be good its hard to walk away from that. Sadly, the production Honda has been crap so the Ducati decision looks like it was a bad one. I agree that it would be awesome to get Ducati back involved here in the States, the bike is great.
I remember the 2006 MotoGp like it was yesterday, the excitement at Laguna was so amazing. To this day no other race has had my attention more so “Merica”. Nicky is a great, super talented guy and also being from the South he made the entire USA proud! Go 69!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pete, I couldn’t agree more. That day was a day most of us remember vividly. Lets hope we get to see Nick take a couple wins in WSBK on US soil.
Nicely said, JP. I’ve always admired Nicky for his drive, his sportsmanship, and his humility. I hope to see great things from him in WSBK.
Mark, I am hoping the same thing. Thanks for commenting.
Nice reflections Jason. You are as much a class act as the Hayden family and Nicky and Tommy. I have to smile as I remember Nicky as about a 14 year old passing me during a WERA race my last year with Arclight. Hey kid! Remarkable talent, and admirable family. Great memories.
Doug, as always thank you. I remember all the Haydens as kids, makes me feel really old. Rog came to one of my fathers schools on a 125 at Sears Point (I can call it that right?) Let’s hope Nick can bring home a WSBK Championship.
Nice write up, Jason. It may be a bummer to Nick to move out of MotoGP, but I think a lot of his fans are excited to see him at the front battling for wins and a championship, again. I know if WSBK returns to Laguna (and I’ve heard it is), I’ll be there to watch the Kentucky Kid in person.
Kurt, hope you’re well. Thanks for writing in. I agree with you about Laguna. I think Nicky will be a huge draw for them when they go back there in July. Be great to see you again.
Nice commentary on Nicky. No doubt his work ethic, knowledge, and talent will put him in the top 10 in wsbk but its unknown if he really can place any better than MVDM.
Thanks for writing in. I love MVDM, one of my favorites. I think having Nicky there will make him better for sure. I said at the start of this year that MVDM would out pace Guintoli and that proved true on many occasions. Depending on their equipment both guys should be in the top 10 but I think 2017 will be the year we could see them both make a more serious run at the title if Honda comes out with a new model.
Jason, Your always so spot on. What a wonderful and insightful pice you have put together. Thanks a ton.
Alessandro WERA #2
Nicky is all class. I’ve seen him come up through the ranks and just push forward every moment. I’ve met him in person a couple of times and will always remember the time up at the Honda Center in Los Angeles when he came up the day before his race at the Del Mar mile just all out fun. I will go see him in WSBK and kick some butt!
On another note: Seeing this and the cancellation of Indy how do we get back to what it was like during the glory years of Motogp and WSBK where the Americans were the ones to beat?
Wayne, thank you for writing in. Your story of Nicky showing up to hang out doesn’t surprise me. Has always been very personable and loves being around bikes or people talking about them. How do we get back over there? Good question. We have so much young talent at the moment but I think it will be 5 years or so till we see an American in Moto GP. Its so political but with any hope maybe we can get someone over there sooner. I think we will see some Americans in WSBK much sooner along with Nick.
I really hope Nicky does well, I just want to see him enjoy himself again.
I really thought that when Yamaha announced their return to WSBK that they’d take a serious look at Beaubier,especially since he was starting to work with Ben Spies in his training. Why do you think they wouldn’t have explored such an awesome talent like Cameron?
Awesome note JP. Looking forward to Nicky kicking butt in WSBK. Thanks for sharing. D
Dave, lets hope so. Be really cool to seen Nick win in WSBK, I think it will all depend on equipment. 2016 will be tough but with a new model in 2017 he could have a real shot.
Great read. I hope he makes history. Thanks!
Steve, I am hoping the same. Thanks for writing in.
Great reflections Jason. I remember being with you at Riverside Raceway so long ago when you took your first ever lap on a racetrack. That was a special moment. And your 750 Supersport Chamionship with Two Brothers Racing exhaust was a special moment for me. So proud to know you.
Craig,
Thanks for commenting on this. We have a lot of history together, so cool. You have definitely seen me from the start. We were even teammates once. Don’t miss those Willow 24hrs on a K100, what were we all thinking? Was great winning my first AMA title on a 2 Brothers exhaust. You have done a lot for me over all the years, thank you so much.
Thanks for ride down memory lane Jason ! I was fortunate to be able to do the AMA tour that year with LP USA . I worked the sponsorship program that year . Hypercycle was our premier team , that was the year I met you and Nicky . It was cool to hear your side of it , how you felt . Kinda choked me up a little bit . One of my best memories of Nicky was at Willow Springs round . He came over to our pit and asked me how much for the knee pucks . I told him the 40 bucks Nicky . He said dang I anit got the money ! And left to go get ready for the 600 race . I didn’t tell Windell , but I took the set of pucks and put them in my pocket . Then told him I need to take a break . I went to you guys trailer and gave them to him . He was like a little kid ! So stoked !
What a lot of people don’t know is that family did everything together ! They all ate their meals together , stayed in one motel together . They were very frugal ! They were just really good kids ! I’m very proud to have been a small part of their careers ! I really felt bad watching Nicky struggle on that piece of shit Ducati ! I really think it was a real career killing ride . But you never saw the guy bitch or complain about the bike or blame something else for why he wasn’t competitive . I think that was the thing that stood out the most . He was truly focused and humble. And worked hard to get where he is at ! And I’m truly privileged to say that I’ve seen this in another new guy that we both know . And I think he will be at one of our next American world champions . Won his first AMA pro race at New Jersey this year Michael Gilbert ! Remember that name , I see all the same qualities and this man ! Thanks again Jason for the good memories !
Doug, awesome story. Those were fun years and LP was a big part of our success. You’re totally right about how the Hayden’s used to roll, big family and always had each other’s backs. Still like that. Pretty cool what Michael has done this year. I love that kid and am hoping he gets a shot somewhere now our series is getting better. He is very understated and has a great quiet confidence about him. Thank you for writing in mate.
Great write up. I remember meeting Nicky at Fontana in April 2006. We were such fans of Roger and Tommys kawi team and he was just there for support giving out free hugs ;). A few months later we watched him win at Laguna.:) ‘MERICA
Jenn, thanks for commenting. Seems so many have cool Hayden stories, all good guys. It will be cool seeing them all together at Laguna during WSBK weekend in 2016. Hope you are ripping it up still. 🙂
I was fortunate to meet Reg years ago. He was a class act, as is his son. I’ve always been a Nicky fan and enjoyed this nice tribute to him.
James, thanks for the nice compliment regarding my dad. He did teach me a lot over the years. I am glad you enjoyed the piece about Nicky, was fun to write.
You can certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The world hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.
Noah, thank you very much for the nice words. It was fun writing about Nicky and it was a very spontaneous piece I wrote. I am not a professional writer but will continue to say the things I feel are real. Glad you enjoyed it and thanks again.
Boss I tell you what,a lot of people weighed in and I know your done writing so although I’m sending you a note please don’t feel obliged to respond,Nicky appeared to me a kid when C Andrew introduced me to you & him back then,a kid who knew something & didn’t need to chat about it,that must have been the sponge he was armed with…at trackdays with him I saw what you saw , but only for 10- 15 seconds ,he came around me in the back keyhole at Sears ,slid -wheelied ,looked me in the eye and was gone,but you laughed,I cried cuz I was never ever gonna follow him period….at Freddie’s Sch in Vegas he rode non stop workin things out w/FF and never seemed tire,as everyone else ran for shade he just went on & on & on…I saw him munch at a TT event that would have sent me to bed for weeks ,sideways off a big fast jump,…..he shook it off in 5 & was back at it…I watched him clinch the title at Laguna – I have a clipping showing him kneeling by his bike on the front straight w/a corner worker holding the bike….gp’s were awesome to watch him but we wanted him on the podium more,I know I speak for thousands & thousands of fans,the whole crew ,tommy & Roger are so cool & low key & was great seeing the whole Haden OWB posse at the GPs,Indy especially,..but I’m ready to see him light up a new show & he is too no doubt,and it was in a Rego class room where your old man said we were looking at the next American world champ & he was right…Nicky just sat there & grinned that grin…,it was almost as if you dad Knighted him then and there,he practically had the crown.As if that’s not enough….you my friend have kept me in one piece more times than you know,with straightforward tips & facts,one in particular is a favorite of mine,as I was on my very own “Big Popa” 1205 gsxr (carry built me one virtually identical to those you campaigned )and as I gained stupidity and speed thru the flat fast RH turn (11?)just before the hairpin that is the last turn at Sears,you were on the outside watching,and you pulled me in and said……”your about to crash” & I know I was,but that bike & those Dunlop’s were letting me carried away,since that chat,( your arm was in a birdcage by the way)I have replayed the the hell out of that one,when I start feeling cute ,it’s there in my ear,…followed by “you have got to go slow to go fast” and I’m back in shape….I was watching you being interviewed on TV as your last AMA race ended,you said modestly all you wanted was to “get a checkered “and call it a day, not asking a lot were you….I was a bit nervous when that show ended thinking,hey maybe that he’s had enough,like Casey,but thankfully and to no ones surprise you never left racing or the paddock,all that endurance racing you do,the TV stuff,& all you did for the National Guard,all those soldiers you supported….i rode on the back of your dads bike & that was nuts,but I know you gave those men and women of the Armed Forces all they could ask for….and a little more,you are a class act Jason,thanks for everything,see you at the track.J Forst
Thanks Jason. I always like reading pieces like this where one professional, a career leader, hails another in a tribute like this. We hear a lot in media from reporters and journalists, but from former teammates and rivals, it makes it all more real.
And then there were none…. With the Texas Tornado and the Kentucky Kid gone from MotoGP, and Dorna saying they are going to pass on Indy next year, the lack of American presence in MotoGP is pretty disheartening. Who will be the next Anerican rising star? Is there an MM93 lurking out there at Laguna Seca and Mid-Ohio? Off there is, i haven’t heard of him (or her!) yet…. If there is. I hope he has the class and grace of ’69. It will be tough to find a better US ambassador for motorcycle racing.
As a long time fan (started watching GP in 85) and having watched and admired Nicky from the beginning of his career (and yours too for that matter) it has been very sad and hard to watch him languish in 22nd place. I know that running at the front will bring that big smile back and I can’t wait to see it.
JP!!…man!…I wish we could relive that year(s) when we were a “small” team kicking butt!! Memories for ever! -rz
Jason,
Very classy post. There’s certainly a lot of Nicky fans that have had a hard time watching him struggle on a bike that was so uncompetitive in the last coupe years. I always noted that in the rain races Nicky’s talent would bring his position further to the front of the pack. And that is probably without all the electronics the top factory bikes were equipped with. To me, his desire to win and skill shined when conditions removed the advantages enjoyed by the other teams.
I hate to see Nicky leave MotoGP but it will sure be nice to see him in the front of the pack again. I subscribed to a channel that allows me to get WSBK races for this reason.
I vividly remember him thanking his parents for the lifelong support after winning the 2006 championship. Class act. I also got to meet his father at an AMA race.
You nailed it in this column. By the way, your own father’s book is responsible me deciding to put serious effort into my riding skills.
Thank you for this column.
Wonderful write up Jason! I have so much respect for Nicky and hope he can find pace with the Honda in WSBK. All those years with Ducati that weren’t so great must have been very frustrating for him and he never ever had a negative thing to say. I had the chance to be in the pit area at the 1st MotoGP race at COTA and walked 5 feet from Nicky as he was coming out of the team hospitality area and I really regret not stopping and chatting with him, maybe get a picture with him… but I didn’t want to be “that guy”, but he always makes time for his fans and I really don’t think you could find a better example of how a professional athlete should carry himself than in Nicky. Really looking forward to seeing him race WSBK. By the way JP, please bring Star back to COTA! 🙂
I have never had the chance to meet Nicky. I have followed his career in GP and the states. The one thing that I always noticed about him was his passion for racing and his humbleness. Sometimes I wonder if it cost him a good position in a team, but then I think he wouldn’t do it any other way. He has always been a class act. I would expect nothing more in WSBK. I really wish we could get some better coverage of MotoAmerica and WSBK here in the states. I follow WSBK results online and the same with MA. I really hope Nicky gets a good ride and the team really pays attention to his feedback. Something I don’t think some of his previous teams in GP did. Best of luck, Nicky. And Jason, it was a great read! Thanks for taking the time to put the words on paper!!
Nicky is a class act. Losing him from MotoGP is comparable to Colin leaving. At least we still have him to watch in WSB.
I think he showed everyone 2006 was plenty earned 5 years later, in a roundabout sort of way. He was basically even with Rossi all year long on the Ducati.
It was disappointing when he left Ducati, especially once it became apparent how uncompetitive the Open Hondas were. Nicky deserved better. And then the wrist injury when Iannone took him out hastened his departure from MotoGP I think.
Regardless, Nicky’s had a phenomenal career and is such a genuinely good guy, he will be sorely missed in the MGP paddock.
Go get a WSB title Nicky!
I think Nicky’s 2013 season was on of the finest performances I’ve ever seen. He was on an inferior motorcycle but he would ride it beyond it’s limits until the tires had nothing left. Nicky is such a fine person that I would love to see him be an instructor when his racing career is over.
Great piece. Being a fan of the sport for quite sometime my first recollection of Nicky was watching the Hayden boys zipping around Pocono in the WERA series. Must have been around 93 or 94. Team Earl has always been a great family group of riders to cheer for. On to races at Daytona, Laguna Seca and the throughout the work they have been stellar. Best wishes to Nicky as he moves onto this next chapter. I have no doubt that there will be continued success in his future.
A couple of years ago while at the Daytona Flat Track races my son turned around checking out the crowd and then nudged me saying Nicky was seated right behind us as a spectator. He was friendly and cordial and took a moment to sign an autograph for him. Leaving a lasting memory that my son or I will forget.
Well done Jason, and good luck to you with the riding school and all your endeavors. And thanks for the memories from your racing career as well.
MotoGP will be a sad paddock without Nicky there in the future. I was privileged to meet him at Lagoona Seca and Phillip Island, or as He affectionaly calls it Phillip Iceland. His hard work and good nature will be missed. I wish him well in the next adventure, and hope it brings a lot of joy to him.
Jason, great to hear about history and I agree on all accounts. I have been following Nicky since 05 I believe. Just met him the once at laguna a few years back. I have high hopes for him in sbk. Sure it’s a step down form premier, but it’s still a world championship, and he is with a winning team rather than a best capable placing of 20+ . Also I had the pleasure of attending 2 of your star schools when I was in the marine corps thru semper ride. Great stuff.
Thanks for such a great article that captures the spirit of the Hayden family. I have been watching Nicky since he was 16. Told my husband, keep an eye on this guy he is up and coming. Nicky has been my favorite rider ever since and ever after. I for one am over joyed that he is moving to WSBK because I missed him over the last couple of years at Laguna Seca, since Moto GP no longer rides there.
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Tell ya with Nicky and PJ both headed to Ten Kate next season is going to be a good one for Americans. I also think its what Honda needs in a rider (Nicky) to get their bike back on the podium. Lets go Nicky! Lets go PJ!
Lets go Pridmore!
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