MotoGP, the premier motorcycle racing World Championship, announced plans to pay special tribute to the late Nicky Hayden by retiring the No. 69 from its premier class Grand Prix racing in a ceremony to be held at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in April.
Originally from Owensboro, the “Kentucky Kid” rode No. 69 to the crown and MotoGP Legend (MotoGP’s Hall of Fame) status during an impressive career that saw him leave an indelible mark on the sport and the paddock.
After winning AMA national championships in America, Hayden’s first successes in MotoGP came in 2003 when he took podiums as a rookie and then went on to win his first Grand Prix in 2005. That created a perfect springboard for the following season, and he put together an impressive campaign to become 2006 MotoGP World Champion, wrapping up the crown in the season finale.
Hayden rose from dirt track beginnings to the absolute pinnacle of his sport, taking his unique blend of work ethic, humility and talent from the U.S. scene to the world stage and putting his name to an astounding number achievements both within racing and beyond its limits – key amongst which was his moniker as ‘the nicest man in Grand Prix racing.’
Hayden remained a cornerstone of the paddock until his departure at the end of 2015, upon which he was named a MotoGP Legend. The No. 69 will now forever remain the number of the “Kentucky Kid” — the man who rode it into the Hall of Fame.
In the wake of Nicky’s untimely passing from a cycling accident in May 2017, this is a special honor for the Hayden family.
“What a great honor it will be for Nicky’s No. 69 to be retired at Austin,” state Hayden’s father, Earl, in a release. “It is very fitting that it will be done at the U.S. race, as these races meant so much to Nicky and he looked forward to them so much every year.”
Earl said it will be a very special event because the No. 69 was his number when he raced.
“I was very proud to see Nicky run the No. 69 on his bikes for his entire career,” Earl said. “On behalf of my entire family I would like to say a special thanks to Dorna (Sports) for honoring Nicky in this special way, along with the many other gestures they have done to support us through the difficult times.”
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said she’s proud to announce the retirement of the number.
“Nicky Hayden was one of the biggest assets to this paddock and a fantastic example as a rider both on track and off,” he said. “It gives me great pleasure to honor his legacy once again and ensure the No. 69 remains synonymous with a Legend and a Champion.”
MotoGP will pay tribute to Hayden during the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas race weekend April 12-14 in Austin, Texas.
MotoGM also released a collection of Nicky Hayden photos this week on their website, which can be viewed here.
