Nicky Hayden Goes Full Circle at Indy
It's been just over 8 months since construction began on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's MotoGP course, and 2006 MotoGP champ Nicky Hayden christened the track last week with two remarkably different machines. Hayden's first trip around the 16-turn, 2.62 mile circuit involved period garb and a 1909 Indian* that competed in the first IMS race 99 years ago. His next lap was on a considerably quicker 2008 Honda CBR1000RR. Incidentally, there was 110 mph top speed difference between the bikes.
The historic contrast was a cool way to promote the new track, but this season has been rough for Hayden so far; let's hope a hometown advantage comes into play when he competes at the Red Bull Indianapolis Grand Prix on September 14th.
* There was no mention of whether or not the Indian christened the track with spilled oil.
Composited from Photos © Ron McQueeney
Comments
What a great PR stunt..he, apparently had a real good time too. In addition to the PR and the fun, he was also asked to report back to FIM on the condition and readiness of the track. I’ve got my ticket!
Rough start indeed….Estoril didn’t do him any good either.
Pete,
Yeah, poor Nicky. Did you see this?
Basem
I recall that…the look on his face says it all! I bet ‘08 turns out to be his last year with the ‘A team. They’ll grab someone from 250, or maybe pick up Dovizioso or DeAngeles. I’m sure(?) Nicky will maintain a ride in MotoGP, but certainly on a B team.
His win in ‘06 was a very healthy shot of luck (someone else’s bad luck…).
Fast in practice and then it goes sour when the flag drops. Too bad.
The pressure to perform with Repsol / Honda must be pretty intense. He (like Edwards) was a helluva good SBK rider, but never really gelled on a MGP bike!
Double digit temps from here on in! It’s on now!!
It was just anounceed Nicky is going to do a couple exhibition laps on the 800 for the Indy 500.
Way cool!!
Pete,
I just read about the exhibition laps– very cool! That’s when he’ll really want to be careful…