Nicky Hayden, one year on

A year has passed since the passing of the 'Kentucky Kid', with tributes to and memories of the American continuing to flood in

One year ago, MotoGP™ Legend Nicky Hayden sadly succumbed to injuries sustained in a cycling crash near Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli. Then, as now, the shockwaves are felt – and the tributes and memories continue to pour in.

MotoGP™ Legend, 2006 World Champion, WorldSBK race winner, fiancé, uncle, brother, son, friend and 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.

One year on, there are many ways in which Hayden has been and will continue to be remembered. Misano have commissioned the Nicky Hayden Memorial Garden near the location of the accident, overseen by Hayden’s friend and former mechanic, Denis Pazzaglini. The Circuit of the Americas have named Turn 18 ‘Hayden Hill’, and photographer Mirco Lazzarri has an exhibition at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola featuring 69 photos of the number 69.

In addition, his hometown of Owensboro, KY, will be unveiling a sculpture of Hayden in early June. The statue recreates the American’s celebratory lap of Laguna Seca following his Championship-year victory there on July 23, 2006, and his likeness will hold aloft an actual American flag. The work will be unveiled on June 8 at 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Owensboro Convention Center.

Mayor Tom Watson will then read a proclamation declaring the following day – June 9, or 6/9 – Nicky Hayden Day, an incredible way to remember – and celebrate – the life of one of MotoGP™’s true greats, “the nicest man in Grand Prix racing.”

Ride on, Kentucky Kid.