Number 69 to be retired at the Circuit of the Americas
The late Nicky Hayden will be honoured later this year as his iconic number ‘69’ is to be retired at the Circuit of the Americas.
2006 MotoGP World Champion, Nicky Hayden, who passed away in 2017, will be honoured by Dorna later in April at the Circuit of the Americas. Hayden was known for his infectious smile, his ever-positive attitude and his iconic racing number ‘#69’.
In tribute to Hayden the number ‘#69’ will be retired from premier class Grand Prix racing at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports said, “ 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 honour his legacy once again and ensure the #69 remains synonymous with a legend and a champion”
Hayden raced the number ‘#69’ throughout his career. His father Earl commented “What a great honour it will be for Nicky’s #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.”
“For myself in particular this will be very special event because the #69 was my number when I raced and I was very proud to see Nicky run the #69 on his bikes for this entire career.”
“On behalf of my entire family I would like to say a special thanks to Dorna for honouring Nicky in this special way along with the many other gestures they have done to support us through the difficult times.”
Nicky Hayden left his mark on the motorsport world, touching the lives of thousands of people around the world. His #69 is the 6th to be formally retired from MotoGP use. Shoya Tomizawa’s #48, Marco Simoncelli’s #58 and Daijiro Kato’s #74 were all withdrawn after deaths, while Kevin Schwantz’s #34 and Loris Capirossi’s #65 were retired in tribute to their lengthy careers and outstanding achievements.
