On June 3rd 2017 during the MotoAmerica motorcycle races at Road America in Elkhart Lake WI, a tribute to Nicky Hayden took place and what an honor for me to be in attendance for the first races of the series upon his passing to be able to witness and be part of this. Nicky’s brother Roger Hayden mounted one of his Suzuki race bikes in the pit lane with a flag donning Nicky’s career number. It’s been a while since that day which I am writing this, but I believe Roger only made one lap around the track. It was shared with the spectators via video feed on the teleprompters. Around or just over halfway through Roger’s lap a light rain had started and the commentators mentioned that the last race Nicky won at Road America ended in a light rain as well. After Roger returned there was 69 seconds of silence in honor of Nicky at the Winner’s Circle and the north end of the paddock while the light rain continued. Almost immediately after the tribute the rain stopped. That gave me goosebumps! Again, how wonderful to be able to participate hence watching the Kentucky Kid through the years there, including witnessing his first win and 16th birthday at Brainerd International Raceway. Peace out and God speed!
