Image: Supplied.

In a tribute to the late Nicky Hayden who passed away in 2017, the number 69 will be retired from the MotoGP World Championship at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

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.

That 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 an astounding number achievements both within racing and beyond its limits – key amongst which was his moniker as ‘the nicest man in Grand Prix racing’.

He 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.

“What a great honour it will be for Nicky’s number 69 to be retired at Austin,” said Hayden’s father, Earl. “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 number 69 on his bikes for his 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.

Dorna Sports CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta commented: “I’m proud to announce that the number 69 will be retired from grand prix racing. 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 number 69 remains synonymous with a legend and a champion.”