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Nicky Hayden's number 69 to be retired at Circuit of the Americas
In honor of Nicky Hayden, 69 is to be retired from Grand Prix racing at this year's Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.
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Nicky Hayden (MotoGP/MotoGP)
I
n tribute to the late Nicky Hayden, who passed away in 2017, the number 69 will be retired from Grand Prix racing at this year's Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas, United States, MotoGP has announced.
The "Kentucky Kid" rode 69 to the crown and MotoGP Legend status during an impressive career that saw him leave an indelible mark on the sport and the paddock.
Hayden's first successes came in 2003 when he took podiums as a rookie and he went on to win his first Grand Prix in 2005. It created a perfect springboard for the following season and he put together an impressive campaign to become 2006 MotoGP World Champion, wrapping up the crown in the season finale.
Hayden rose from dirt track beginnings to the absolute pinnacle of his sport, taking his unique blend of work ethic, humility and talent from the domestic scene to the world stage and putting his name to number achievements.
Hayden remained a cornerstone of the paddock until his departure at the end of 2015, upon which he was named a MotoGP Legend. The number 69 will now forever remain the number of the “Kentucky Kid”; the man who rode it into the Hall of Fame.
"I'm proud to announce that the number 69 will be retired from Grand Prix racing," Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, said in a statement.
"Nicky Hayden was one of the biggest assets to this paddock and a fantastic example as a rider both on track and off. It gives me great pleasure to honor his legacy once again and ensure the number 69 remains synonymous with a legend and a Champion."
In response, Hayden's father, Earl, said: "What a great honor it will be for Nicky's number 69 to be retired at Austin. It is very fitting that it will be done at the US race as these races meant so much to Nicky and he looked forward to them so much every year." (nkn)
