Nicky Hayden Interview

So when will we see a Nicky Hayden dominated season?

I still have a long way to go but my plan is to keep gaining momentum this year and working out with the team and then next year really coming out and firing from the open. I really see this year as a building year.

Do you have any really fun times that stand out during racing or practice?

Well yeah, sure when the bikes not working it feels like it’s trying to kill you, but when the bike’s working good it’s a lot of fun. Actually when I was in Germany, I was the fastest in the first section for a long time and to start the season seeing P1 on my pit board…. Haha, I was enjoying myself!

You've obviously got off-track interests too and you’ve been dabbling in a TV career, what else do you have in the pipeline then?

Not a lot really, my focus is racing. Obviously I can’t race for the rest of my life so I will need to think about it, but at the moment I don’t have any plan B.

So how do you find time to chill out from such an intense sport?

Before I used to have a hard time getting away from it because it means so much to you, but when we have time off I can go back to Kentucky and I come from a big family so I enjoy spending time with them and my friends. It’s quite a small town where I live so I love going back there and being with my people.

Just to digress a little now, who do you see as the biggest threat form the upcoming riders?

Sure there’s a lot of talent and to just pick a few guys would be to hard.

Is there a place for women in Motor GP?

I wouldn’t be surprised, my sister used to be very fast. I'm thinking that in this lifetime we’ll see a girl up there.

And what about predictions… do you have any?

I’ve learned not to open my mouth a whole lot and make big predictions, so we’ll see. I don’t think it was my best result of the year this weekend, so watch this space…

Brilliant, now Nicky, I’m going to ask you some questions and I want you to give me a one or two word answer… ready?

Valentino Rossi?
He’s bloodthirsty, the guy is above everything else and he just knows how to win. He’s just naturally fast.

Your pit crew?

Hard working

Ducati?

Fast

Barack Obama?

Ahh! I know you want a straight answer but I’m still sitting on the fence, I need a bit more time. He’s going and raising our taxes a bit more, so this ain’t exactly giving him any popularity with my folks, but he’s got a let of work to do, we’ll see. Ask me next year at Donnington!

Check out our Bradley Smith Interview

Matt Shine Talking to Nicky Hayden, at the Tissot hosted track day at Donnington Park. Check out Nicky Hayden’s Limited Edition Tissot watch here

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