It's been awhile since I've been on the bbs, but the news of Nicky's passing today brought me here tonight. I never met Nicky in person, but he came through the AMA ranks while I was getting started in racing and I always admired his riding and more importantly, his professional and kind demeanor off the track. His passing today really hurts, but all the tributes I am reading from you all show how much he inspired so many of us. R.I.P. *69
Cheers to this kind, engaging, funny young man off the track and a serious competitor every time he set foot on a track - from being a youth in the sport to being at the pinnacle. The world is a lesser place without him, but we should push forward and strive even higher in his memory and in his honor. Cheers to Nicky. Cheers to the others that have gone before him. Thank you for making this sport great. I'd love to see a Nicky Hayden Racing Academy...
The world lost a wonderful person today. I feel awful for his fiancé and family. All week I hoped that his condition would improve. Never regret or complain about growing old, it's a privilege not everyone gets.. Rest In Peace Nicky.
I think I created my signature line in 2005 or 2006. Nicky has been an inspirational human being to me, regardless that his success was in racing. It's that it was in racing that I'm aware of because it's the sport I follow. But it's heartbreaking because he was so easy to respect.
Don't post much ...we have been watching/reading this thread, gutted, saddened...Nicky was one of a kind, a racer's racer as my dad says... Condolences and wishes of peace to his family, friends... how can it be.. but it is.. we watch videos and remember a great racer and person, thankful for the epic memories and battles. Time to break out the Tyrconnell whiskey (straight from the island) and toast to Nicky. Thanks Nicky...Ride easy Racer, rest in peace. Mike
RIP Nicky, and thank you for so many thrilling moments. I was thrilled to be at VIR when you won your Superbike Championship. I wasn't going to miss that moment for anything, either. I choked up when you won at Laguna, and when you sealed your Championship at Valencia in 2006. The 4 times we met, thank you for being so gracious and mugging with me for a photo, signing my posters/hats, and answering my questions. My moments with you were absolutely priceless to me. Thank you for those few precious moments of your time.
He was the cool kid when I was young that inspired me to race. An rc51 was the first bike I did a track day with. He was a badass on that thing. Sad night. RIP. In Cuba so defenitly a stiff Havana Club Reserve. Cheers Nicky
Nicky had a lot more races and championships to win. I'm sad that future Haydens will never meet their Uncle Nicky, and that he won't go on to have his own children as he surely would've in a few years. He was an incredible person who had so much more to give the world. I never met the man, but I always admired him not only for his amazing talent, but more so for his wit, grace, and humility. The world is a much worse place without him. RIP Nicky.