A Tribute to Nicky Hayden: The Kentucky Kid, the Champion of Champions

Photo from motorsport.com. NASCAR champ, Jimmie Johnson, helped lead a 69 mile bicycle ride in honor of Hayden. Jimmie Johnson is an avid cyclist, as are many drivers. Recent Indy 500 winner, Takuma Sato, actually raced bicycles before getting into cars.

This is my Nicky Hayden cycling jersey made by JL Velo. It wouldn’t surprise me if Nicky picked JL Velo because it’s made in the U.S.A. I’ve owned it just over three years now and wear it nearly every ride I go on.

The Hayden family is a tremendous family and Nicky is a testament to that. Even in the family’s darkest moment in announcing Nicky’s passing, this was the final part of their statement, “It is also important for us to thank all the hospital staff for their incredible support – they have been very kind. With the further support of the authorities in the coming days, we hope to have Nicky home soon.”

Even in passing, Nicky helped other by having his organs donated to needing patients. Someone just received one of the biggest hearts in the world. The Hayden family has created the Nicky Hayden Memorial Fund. The donations will go towards helping children in his local community. Lastly, Nicky Hayden was working with Gabi Toy on making a teddy bear with the original intent to start sales at the Laguna Seca round of WorldSBK in July. You can order it now with all proceeds going to the Memorial Fund.

To one of the greatest champs ever, R.I.P Nicky.