MotoGP™ Legend Nicky Hayden sadly passed away on Monday, after the American was involved in a collision with a car whilst cycling on the Riviera di Rimini last week. A true Champion on and off track, Hayden will be deeply missed.

Some of the best moments of the late MotoGP™ Legend's career

MotoGP™ Legend, 2006 World Champion, WorldSBK race winner, fiancé, uncle, brother, son, friend or simply the “Kentucky Kid” who rose from American dirt track to the absolute pinnacle of his sport, Hayden was known for many things to many people, and put his name to an astounding number of achievements both within racing and beyond its limits – key amongst which was his moniker as ‘the nicest man in Grand Prix racing’. A true competitor with an incredible commitment to his sport, and a true family man dedicated to the people around him.

First riding on the dirt in his native USA, Hayden then continued his career on tarmac and was crowned AMA Supersport Champion in 1999. Next came the AMA Superbike crown in 2002 – becoming the youngest rider to achieve the feat – before a move to the MotoGP™ World Championship for 2003. He took two podiums that year, at Motegi and Phillip Island, as a rookie. More podiums followed in 2004 before Hayden took his first pole and Grand Prix victory at Laguna Seca in 2005. The following year, the “Kentucky Kid” became the MotoGP™ World Champion as he beat Valentino Rossi to the premier class crown, securing the title in the last round of the year in Valencia.

He moved to Ducati in 2009 and, later, the Aspar team, before racing his last full season in MotoGP™ in 2015. He was then inducted into the MotoGP™ World Championship Hall of Fame at the season finale in Valencia.

The next challenge for the ‘Kentucky Kid’ was WorldSBK, where Hayden took a number of podiums and his first win in the class in his rookie year, besting difficult conditions at Sepang to join another exclusive club as he became a winner in both MotoGP™ and WorldSBK. The American also became the first MotoGP™ Legend to return to Grand Prix racing in 2016, as a replacement rider at Aragon and Phillip Island.

Hayden raced his last laps for Red Bull Honda World Superbike team at Imola, in Italy, on May 14th. The American’s dedication to competition was as strong as ever in his sophomore year in World Superbike, where he was once again proving his incredible work ethic, passion and dedication to two-wheeled motorsport.

Hayden will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced throughout an incredible career, his millions of fans around the world, and by 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.

Honda HRC message of condolence, following the passing of Nicky Hayden

Honda WorldSBK management pay tribute to the late Nicky Hayden

The Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team offers its most heartfelt condolences to Nicky’s family, his fiancée Jackie, his friends, fans and everyone who has been touched by the passing of one of the racing world’s most loved sons.

Nicky’s passing has shocked and saddened everyone in the team and we are still coming to terms with this tragedy. However, we will participate in this weekend’s WorldSBK round at Donington in the United Kingdom.

Rest in peace Nicky. You will be truly, deeply missed by all of us.

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.”