MotoGP retires Hayden’s famous #69 in Austin ceremony
The number 69 made famous by 2006 MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden has been retired by series organisers Dorna and governing body the FIM in a ceremony at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin.
Hayden died as a result of head injuries sustained in a road traffic accident in Italy in 2017.
In an emotional ceremony in Austin, that was attended by many family members including his father Earl, MotoGP promoter Carmelo Ezpeleta explained the reasons behind the decision to bestow this honour.
“Since the beginning, after we lost him, we were thinking it’s something we must do because Nicky was someone special to all of us,” said Ezpeleta. “His behaviour, how he managed himself with us, it was fantastic. We spoke to FIM, and it’s an honour to retire the number 69 forever, it’s something very important. We are proud to do this today. To have had Nicky as part of our history was a great honour.”
A moving video was shown of Nicky from his earliest riding days through to his MotoGP glory years, and then his eldest brother Tommy spoke on behalf of the family.
“Nicky loved MotoGP for a reason – because there was a lot of good people there, straight from the top,” he said, also acknowledging FIM president Jorge Viegas who was present. “Nicky had a lot of success on the track, but I think we all agree he made just as big an impact off the track on everyone’s lives. That’s something, as a family, we’re most proud of.
“The number 69 is a special number in our family: my dad raced with it, and we always raced with it – Nicky carried the number through his whole career, so it has a lot of meaning. To have it retired from MotoGP, the pinnacle of the sport, it means a lot of us. It keeps Nicky’s legacy alive.”
FIM President Jorge Viegas with Hayden's family, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and fiancée Jackie Marin
Photo by: MotoGP
Previous article
Austin MotoGP: Marquez pips Vinales by 0.078s in FP1
Next article
Austin MotoGP: Vinales deposes Marquez in second practice
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Drivers | Nicky Hayden |
| Author | Charles Bradley |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
