Earl Hayden on Nicky - the making of the Kentucky Kid
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Earl Hayden on Nicky - the making of the Kentucky Kid
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From the small rural American town of Owensboro in Kentucky, Earl Hayden has created a legacy in motorcycle racing. All three of his sons have made successful careers in the sport, with the middle one Nicky making the most of his opportunities with Honda across AMA, MotoGP and now WorldSBK, as well as becoming World Champion in 2006.
Earl has followed Nicky’s journey in two-wheeled racing from very close range, from when - at the age of three - the ‘Kentucky Kid’ jumped on his very first motorcycle. Earl is not only Nicky’s father, but his mentor, coach and friend, too. He knows Nicky like no other and, from the house where it all began, he explains how he nurtured Nicky to that World Championship, his connection to his family, his determination and so much more! - Спорт
Godspeed to you Nicky. RIP Kentucky Kid. Gone but not forgotten.
My mom and her family were from KY and I instantly recognized that familiar heart warming accent Nicky had. He seemed like he was just a down home country boy that could ride Hell out of a motorcycle. All the Hayden family seem like that. Like his dad Earl said , Nicky never changed. We all were proud of Nicky , Mr Earl. We miss him everyday.
So humble, so likeable. I have the utmost respect for this man and his family, real class.
Still struggle with the reality that your not here Nicky. Nothing to be gained by your loss, just a huge hole where your big smile & personality were. I cannot believe it. RIP mate.
My sincerest condolences to the Hayden family.
My sincere condolences to the Hayden family and his fellow pilots and other🙏
I’m from Kentucky and man oh man Nicky and his dad both remind SO much of the people I grew up around, mostly the way they talk, just good hearted people 👍🏼
RIP Earl Haydon ,Husband ,father ,mentor ,staunch protector ,condolences to his family and friends
We miss you Nicky!
Sure miss you man!!!
Even though Nicholas will be zooming through the universe with just as much energy and even more freedom than in our material world, I will miss him, and I'm crying right now. I'm an Ohio boy who wandered up to Mid-Ohio Raceway since 1999 for the AMA Superbike racing fun. Nicky and his talented brother Tommy (DOMINANT Supersport icon here in the USA), were the talk of the young tiers of AMA racing.
Nicky took over the throne over giants like Miguel Duhamel and Matt Mladin and others. Nicky won Supersport in 1999, and did the progression to Superbike thereafter. He won over guys like Anthony Gobert and Scott Russell and others. He was the real deal, and his whole part in the Hayden family presence was just joyful. Their family was/is joyful and they are wonderful people. They brought Kentucky, down-home USA joy to the bike world, with smiles as wide as a street block.
When Nicky got recruited for MotoGP I was so, so proud! When he won at Laguna it was the epitome of joy and glee and pride. He truly beat the best of the best. That moment was and still is the most resonant American victory ever, if I may say so amidst our other great champions.
Nicky, you can hear me and see my colors in the sky: We LOVE YOU and will not stop loving you. We carry you within us.
Tommy and so, so skilled and fantastic Roger Lee, your brother did you proud, for sure, but know that you did him proud, too. You guys are inseparable from his legacy. Your family is inexctricably woven into his legacy, so much so that the world knows no family so talented and dedicated to the sport. Mom and Dad, the support that you provided -- known to us USA folks who followed your sons since 1998 -- was and is golden.
Bravo parents of this shining human spirit; bravo brothers of this talented big smile of a person. He is not gone; he is in the woodwork of our souls.
Nicely put mate. He has left a huge hole in so many ways. It must have destroyed his mum & dad.
R.I.P Kentucky Kid. I looked up to you since I can remember, your the reason why I started racing. race through Heaven champ #69 forever!!!
The Hayden Family are Super Heroes! Thank you and know you are loved!
My best wishes to the Hayden family and to mr. Hayden, I appreciate greatly his thoughts. To Nicky, you will be remembered forever among us who love racing in its various forms. You were and still are among the special ones. Lots of love from Finland. 🏁
a champion, a gentleman, a brother, a son, a uncle, a husband... My inspiration. God speed Nicky. Thank you for everything. Earl's racing team for life!!!
I’ve been a huge fan of this Kid. Nicky, Rossi and many of the other Moto GP riders but Nicky and Rossi I’ve followed closely. I lost a Nephew in a Motorcycle accident in 2019 so I know the pain. What kills me is how young these Kids are taken from us. God Bless Nicky’s Family.
Such a likeable guy, all around favorite... I guess that's why this video has not one single thumbs down(as of now) and I hope and pray that Nicky will win another world championship soon!
Amazing,,,Whatta touching recollection,,, Reminding Us that our larger than life heros are still human,,,Keep Safe Guys. Cheers from Canada... Literally...
I love to see Nicky succeed. He was definitely one of the good guys in the MotoGP paddock. I hope WSBK treats him well.
Makes me cry... God bless the Hayden family!
Damn!! Still hurting over this one. Family is the most important thing on this earth. Feeling for his brothers more than anything. RIP to our champ......
Thank you Hayden. Rest in peace my brother!
Even though Nicky was younger than me, I always tried to have a better out look on life, and smile in the face of adversity. I can't say how much I admired him. To the Hayden family; be sure that there will be a prayer said tonight for Nicky and your family in this time of loss. Love Malcolm
Beautiful sentiments
The Haydens made the world a better place. ❤ y'all from Indy
Class act, the Hayden family are. Best of luck in 2017!
My favorite family in all of racing.You folks are all of the best,and have a great 2017!
RIP Nicky. He was kind, polite, humble and one of the best.
RIP Nicky we all miss you Kentucky kid !!!!
Got to see earl and rog at the moto America races at barber yesterday for the last ride for the time being for the Hayden family god speed to you all ! Wish you the best rip Kentucky kid ...
RIP, Nicky! what a nice guy both on and off the track. i'm a rossi fan but man this guy got my respect, true champ!
nicky was talented and wow...fast respect from neighboring Tennessee
RIP. Great rider, great champion, great family ,a great man ,and that's why MotoGP retired his #69
much love for the strength of the family very sorry for your loss
Great dad
Nicky will always be a humble legendary champion
So sad !!Godspeed with you nicky we will miss you Today we have lost a champion but above all a fantastic person a great sportsman Bye Kentucky kid ❤️🇺🇸🇮🇹from Italy
RIP NICKY racing will never be the same
2.40 "Gotta believe there's another life after racing". RIP Nicky
Such sad news, a legend.
A great champion
God Speed Nicky Hayden........condolences to the family.
Great racer.Humble man.Great loss.
My thoughts are with Nicky and his family.Thomas Finch "class act" indeed...my hero
momentary lapse in judgement.... unbelievable! He will be kicking back having a laugh with Barry Sheen and Marco Simoncelli. Rest easy K.K . . . .
Lets hope Honda can give him a competitive factory bike for 2017 so he can show his talents. The updated Fireblade for 2017 looks promising.
Only the good die young! Lived a life worth living; see you on the flip side champ!
RIP Earl!
Only the good die young . RIP Nicky you will be missed
I still can't believe it. r.i.p.
Nicky had Dad's Eyes...so sad. This hit a lot of people very Hard.
Keep on sliding :)
RIP Nicky!!!
What a great loss. Very few people set a dream as a child and achieve that same goal in life but Nicky did it. By the way he is the last American to win the world championship and he was the only man to beat Valentino Rossi during the 990cc era.
Earl I watched this a few weeks ago, did not think it would be this poignant RIP Nicky
A special guy....
I met Earl at Laguna Seca the day Tommy won the championship.
I bought a jersey from him in the paddock and he told me to go knock on Tommy's motor home door and have him sign it.
The team manager said, "I don't care what Earl said Tommy is an hour away from the biggest race in his life" so get outta here".
Understandable.
Dam I miss Nicky.
Rest in Peace Nicky
My thoughts are with the Hayden family at this time.
Rip nicky hayden
The Kentucky kid #69 🔥
R.I.P.
Really sad news R.I.P Nicky.
RIP KENTUCKY KID.....SAD DAY
RIP Kentucky Kid
RIP
good luck in 2017 Hayden
RIP #NH69
rip
God's speed Nicky
Insyr. Iwans