Hayden out of Honda in "09?

[JustSomeDude]

Sounds like it's just rumor right now - but considering his performance the last 2 seasons, I wouldn't be surprised....

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...?&R=EPI-101146

Just my opinion - but I think ol' Nick got a little too big for his britches after his "06 championship victory. He should turn down the ego and focus on his job. MotoGP isn't designed for your nightlife and partying. You're there to win races, bud.

Ok - end of mild Nicky Hayden rant. I'm just generally underwhelmed with the US offerings in the MotoGP field this year - Collin Edwards aside.

[BlueDevil]

He should turn down the ego and focus on his job. MotoGP isn't designed for your nightlife and partying. You're there to win races, bud.

Though his performance recently has been dismal... I believe this to be a statement that may be a bit off.... He is a big time advocate of focus and has stated many times that he is not in it for that, and when he should be out partying, he is in the trailer sleeping..... There is no lack of commitment coming from his direction ... (but its not like I know the guy)
Ive been a fan of Nicky's since I watched him crash at PPIR and his bike was on fire.. He was patting out the flames with his hands, and tryin got get back on the bike to finish the race.... I was positive there are less than 5 people on earth who would have done that.... He has had nothing but my respect ever since....
Sad part is all racers go through it... Racers climb to the top, then have a hard time after, or even multiple times of trouble.... Rossi and Stoner to be prime examples..... Rossi had several seasons of struggle and after a bit of time to work through issues... Where is he? Current points leader..... Stoner... Last year, that man was un-freekin-touchable... This year.. Stoner who?

One thing to keep in mind is Hayden has had FAR more good years than bad... He is one of the grreatest racers this country has ever seen... and he is still a kid...(relatively)

None the less, Ill remain a fan of Nicky

[rybo]

I agree with Dion,

Nicky isn't lacking dedication or out partying, he's extremely dedicated. He rides more laps in Free Practice than most of the other riders, is committed to addtional tire testing etc. when a lot of the other guys pack up and head home.

Nicky belongs on the GP grid. In my opinion he's a great rider with a terrific attitude. Imagine how you would feel if after winning the world championship the company you worked for told you "sorry, we're designing the new bike for the other rider on the team, thanks so much for the help".

s

[konichd]

Hayden out, Divisioso is in.

Hayden will be on the Duc next year.

[Pharmgirl]

"sorry, we're designing the new bike for the other rider on the team, thanks so much for the help".

s

Exactly.

[salsashark]

Hayden will be on the Duc next year.

I would like to see this

[Ninja Nate]

I would like to see this

[Devaclis]

The only problem Nicky has is his fair weather fans. His hard work is going to pay off. Stop being hatred

[konichd]

^^^Apparently Sete' G. was testing with Duc, but made a comment to the effect that he would like to come back but isn't it Hayden's seat?

[salsashark]

Stoner/Hayden in 2009! HELLZYA!

[konichd]

Edwards on the Kawi, now thats something to get excited for!

[sandboxshooter]

I'd like to see Hayden on the Ducati and Edwards with Kawi.......

[Ninja Nate]

From practice times, Hayden is doing much better on the pnuematic engine...

1st Practice: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=32937

2nd Practice: http://www.roadracingworld.com/news/...?article=32938

I would LOVE to see Edwards on a Kawi, I really thought Hopkins was going to bring something to Team Green this year, but I have been disappointed race after race. Last year on the Zuk he was 4th in the championship? Couple of podiums... This year??? I would really like to see what Edwards could do with the green machine.

[JustSomeDude]

Stoner... Last year, that man was un-freekin-touchable... This year.. Stoner who?

Damn, this 4-hour time difference makes me miss the entire conversation. I just woke up!

Anyway - I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. Regarding Stoner, I think he's shown the most resolve of any rider in the MotoGP field this year. "Stoner who?" you say? Are we watching the same races?

After numerous technical difficulties with his bike, and riding off the track NUMEROUS times this season, the guy has STILL finished in points in EVERY race except LeMans... and you want to compare his current 4th place overall standing with Hayden's 9th? Cripes - you're a tough critic (depending on the rider)!

I'll admit, most of my opinion of Hayden is based on stories which themselves seem to be based in rumor and speculation about his "partying" ways. Perhaps it's all crap. For some one getting paid what he is - I hope it is.

[Slo]

Hayden got all the respect from me when he stayed extremely composed considering the circumstances when his teamate almost ruined his last championship winning season.

I don't think anyone at that level should be questioned about "commitment"?

[Ninja Nate]

I've never really heard of any of Nicky's "partying" habits. He is also known to be the one that has put the most laps in with testing, tuning, and practice. I do think Honda screwed him, I think he would be much more appreciated at Ducati but that will not happen according to Livio Suppo (Ducati's Moto GP Team Manager) here http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jun/080619lsa.htm

Last two questions of the interview that requard our Champ Nicky

Q Can we talk about the Nicky Hayden to Ducati rumors?
A With Nicky, if you want, we can talk. We like Nicky. At the moment for 2009, we have a contract with Marco, so we cannot speak with anybody at the moment.
Q So none of it is true?
A No. If you say that Nicky could be potentially interesting for Ducati, that is correct. But at the moment, there's nothing more. Because we have a rider on board. We have two years with him, and the first goal is to try to have Marco happy with the bike.

[mayhem]

aawwwww, no ride for nicky........

[Ninja Nate]

aawwwww, no ride for nicky........

No ride? Maybe not a fully factory backed ride, but no ride at all? I dont see that happening. I would say the same thing that happened with Edwards this year, goes down to a satellite team where he and his skills are appreciated and taken into consideration... Then start woopin up on factory guys

But I really would like to see him on a Ducati

[JustSomeDude]

I don't think anyone at that level should be questioned about "commitment"?

I do.

Let's be real... all top athletes are always having their drive and commitment questioned. Commitment, performance, focus, and sometimes simply age... these are all things used to evaluate top athletes.

It's the nature of professional sports.

[rybo]

True,

but this is a different level. Everyone in this grid has already progressed through several levels of "professional" roadracing. Their commitment, drive and tenacity has already been battle hardened. That is not as true in other sports where the athletes come straight from HS or college and have no real ground to prove themselves on.

Anyone who is good enough to qualify for a GP grid, much less win races and a championship is essentially superhuman. They've earned their rides. Hayden deserves to keep a seat at the GP level for sure.

[Ninja Nate]

Honda wont comment about the future of Nicky.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne.../?R=EPI-101146

It doesn't look good for Nicky on a factory GP team next year

[mayhem]

No ride? Maybe not a fully factory backed ride, but no ride at all? I dont see that happening. I would say the same thing that happened with Edwards this year, goes down to a satellite team where he and his skills are appreciated and taken into consideration... Then start woopin up on factory guys

But I really would like to see him on a Ducati

woopin factory guys? .....he cant even keep up on a factory bike now...

[dragos13]

woopin factory guys? .....he cant even keep up on a factory bike now...

can't keep up huh

FIM MotoGP World Championship
Donington Park, England
June 20, 2008
Free Practice Two Results:

1. Casey STONER (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:28.253
2. Nicky HAYDEN (Honda), Michelin, 1:28.829
3. Valentino ROSSI (Yamaha), Bridgestone, 1:28.909
4. Colin EDWARDS (Yamaha), Michelin, 1:28.969
5. Alex DE ANGELIS (Honda), Bridgestone, 1:28.992
6. Dani PEDROSA (Honda), Michelin, 1:29.207
7. Shinya NAKANO (Honda), Bridgestone, 1:29.207
8. James TOSELAND (Yamaha), Michelin, 1:29.341
9. Chris VERMEULEN (Suzuki), Bridgestone, 1:29.410
10. Randy DE PUNIET (Honda), Michelin, 1:29.433
11. John HOPKINS (Kawasaki), Bridgestone, 1:29.441
12. Anthony WEST (Kawasaki), Bridgestone, 1:29.666
13. Andrea DOVIZIOSO (Honda), Michelin, 1:29.722
14. Marco MELANDRI (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:29.856
15. Toni ELIAS (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:30.268
16. Jorge LORENZO (Yamaha), Michelin, 1:30.290
17. Ben SPIES (Suzuki), Bridgestone, 1:30.766
18. Sylvain GUINTOLI (Ducati), Bridgestone, 1:30.931

[JustSomeDude]

Anyone who is good enough to qualify for a GP grid, much less win races and a championship is essentially superhuman. They've earned their rides. Hayden deserves to keep a seat at the GP level for sure.

I think the issue is being confused - and perhaps I was not clear in my first post. In no way do I doubt or question Nicky's abilities... I think he obviously commands attention and respect on the track. I've just heard his actions off the track on race weekends indicate (to me) some lack of focus. There's Tiger Woods, and there's Tom Daly. There's John Elway and there's Jevon Walker. No one doubts either's ability with a golf club or a football - but some question their ability to focus. And I fully admit... if Nicky was winning races and kicking butt - I wouldn't give 2 rat's asses about how late he was kickin' his heals up.

I also realize that MotoGP is a relatively young sport, and that "boys will be boys". In that sense, I'm probably being hyper-critical and setting my expectations a little too high about their actions during "off time".

Sorry if I wasn't clear about this from the get go, but I was not trying to disparage Nicky's talent or skill.