Still can't wrap my head around it.. He's the reason I started racing at all. I met him twice. He acted like we'd known each other our whole lives. Gone way too soon.. RIP Racer
As a race dad, he is who you want your kid to be like, not just because he was a champ but the whole package. As a race dad, Earl is who you, yourself wants to be like. I can only imagine how he and the rest of the family feels. Thoughts and prayers for them all.
This is so sad and really tears at my heart......but it makes me smile when I think how Nicky lived more in his 35 years than Joe Public (or most of us) could live in 1000 years.
I just read the news and was pretty shaken by it. God bless Nicky and his family. He will be greatly missed and always remembered!
It's odd how people we don't know can touch our lives. I read through this thread and have seen more than 1 post that references one of us humble racers naming a child after our heros. I have a 13 year old daughter named Megan Nicole and a 10 year old son name Eli Hayden. You will be missed, sir!
Remember the time Nicky was in rehab? Remember the time Nicky was involved with drugs? Remember the time Nicky was involved in that domestic abuse incident? Remember the time Nicky was caught cheating? Remember the time Nicky was caught saying disparaging things about the USA? Remember the time Nicky was badmouthing other racers? Remember the time Nicky was throwing temper tantrums because things didn't go his way in a particular race? Remember the time Nicky was disrespecting law enforcement? Remember the time Nicky embarrassed himself and the rest of his family by acting like a complete idiot/asshole? Remember the time Nicky acted like a pompous, self absorbed douche? . . . . . ..........yeah, me neither. There are racers with more wins, titles, championships, etc. than Nicky, but I doubt you'll ever find one with more grace, class, honesty and all around 'good guy' qualities.
I just want to move on and not feel this way anymore .. .. but I don't want to move on and forget any of the importance and impact he's had on the entire racing community.
Just so tragic. I pray for his family and friends. Nicky is everything to American Roadracing, loved and respected by all.
Owensboro is 25 minutes from my house. It was such an amazing gesture to see all of the flags in town at 1/2 staff this morning.
Not sure if anyone has posted this yet. And I know, it's YouTube, sue me The Hayden brothers on The Tonight Show.
