HRC President “deeply saddened” by Hayden’s passing

HRC President Yoshishige Nomura has offered his deepest condolences to the Hayden family following the death of the American.

The Kentucky Kid will be remembered by most for winning the 2006 MotoGP World Championship on the Repsol Honda, but Hayden had a long and extremely successful career with HRC, dating from his two AMA titles to his time as part of the Red Bull Honda World Superbike team. 

Nomura said he was deeply saddened when he was informed of the news of Hayden’s passing, admitting it was hard to believe he is gone. 

“On behalf of all HRC employees and our racing teams, I wish to express my deepest condolences to Nicky Hayden’s family, his fiancée and his many friends.

“Nicky has been such a close friend and member of the HRC family that it’s very hard to believe he is gone. Together we won two AMA titles and the 2006 MotoGP crown, and until his accident he was giving 100 percent to bring success to the Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team. Nicky was a great rider and champion but he was an even better person.

“We always had the utmost respect for his racing spirit and for the commitment he showed on every occasion, while his charming character made him a favorite with the entire motorcycling world and race fans everywhere.

“At HRC we will never forget Nicky, who was very much one of us. Everyone at HRC is deeply saddened, but we will remember the many special memories we shared together with him.

“Our hearts and thoughts are with his family during this difficult moment.”

Photo via Nicky Hayden Facebook