Q&A with MotoGP Series champ Nicky Hayden

September 10, 2008 by Neal Taflinger

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'06 MotoGP Series champ talks about fast bikes, strippers and scoring 'extra nuts'

Nicky Hayden might make the 6.o'clock news in Rome, Shanghai and Qatar, but the 2006 MotoGP series champion is happy to keep a low profile in his hometown of Owensboro, Ky.

Relatively low, at least. "It wouldn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who the guy on the Nicky Hayden replica (Honda 1000 motorcycle), with the Nicky Hayden helmet is," he cracked.

The rider is recovering from an injury he suffered in a motocross event that he entered for fun. With MotoGP rolling this weekend at the Speedway, he took some time to talk to Indy.com about motorcycles, fame and trouble with police.

Question: What is it about motorcycle riding that's so addictive?

I don't think there's one thing. It's almost like a drug. Once you get motorcycles in your blood, you're hooked. One thing I like is the freedom; you're part of the bike.

How much different is the bike you ride on the track from one on the showroom floor? Is it comparable to the difference between a NASCAR Chevrolet and one at the dealer?

It's more like a Formula One car and one at the dealer. There's nothing on our bike that you could buy. It's full-prototype racing. It's a few years ahead of what you can buy at the dealership.

When MotoGP racers aren't competing, do you ride around in a pack and park your bikes in a McDonald's parking lot? Because that's what guys on sport bikes do in my neck of the woods.

I've got a (Honda) 1000; I do ride it on the street occasionally. I can't say I'm out there every time the sun shines. I ride my (Honda 100) scooter all the time. I'm used to doing 200 miles an hour, so 35 feels pretty slow. It's easy to get in trouble quick with the police when you're used to getting paid to race at 200 miles an hour.

It's got a cool paint job, my name on it. It's a little bit easier to stay out of jail on a scooter.

Do you think the event at the Speedway will help grow the series in America?

I don't think one race is going to make the sport blow up. When I won the championship in 2006 I saw a big difference in my everyday world. This is a big market for MotoGP; the teams are eager to crack into (potential sponsor companies).

I read that you're known for your "controlled sliding and tail-out nonstandard lines." What the hell does that mean?

I've got a dirt-track background. A lot of racers come from a two-stroke, in-line racing style. My style is a little more aggressive; the rear wheel's out a little bit more than the front tire.

You've been with the Repsol Honda team, but we heard that next year you're going to ride for the Ducati Marlboro Team.

My contract's up this year; I've got a lot of options. I've been with Honda for a long time, so it's hard to leave. Ask me in about a month.

What do you know about the strippers who follow the MotoGP tour around, working in clubs for a week at a time?

That's the first I heard of it. In different places of the world, it's kinda strange: You can't wear bikinis, (women) have to cover their legs and arms in some places we race, like Qatar, but in Europe they run pretty thin in the clothing department.

How big is MotoGP overseas?

In Europe it's like what NASCAR is here. The races are sold out, over 100,000 people, especially in Spain and Italy.

Is it cool to be a star in a certain world but be relatively unknown outside of it? You get the whole money, fame, influence bit, but no one is asking for your autograph at Denny's.

I never really got in it to be a cool guy or for fame. I've milked the fame for free upgrades... flight attendants seem to pay extra attention, make sure your drink is full, you get some extra nuts, get a better room at the hotel. But I definitely like to come home and blend in.

I feel uncomfortable when I'm in Owensboro, eatin' lunch with my boys I went to school with back in the day, and people want my autograph. But I could be in Shanghai signing autographs for 100,000 people and it seems normal.

Moto History

Indianapolis has a relationship with motorcycle racing that stretches back to the earliest days of the Speedway. Read a part of that history and learn about the Dreyers, the first family of motorcycling in Indianapolis on indy.com.