Nicky Hayden in World Superbikes in 2016
After 13 years in the MotoGP™ World Championship, the Kentucky Kid prepares for a new adventure.
On the eve of the Motul Grand Prix of Japan, Nicky Hayden announced that he would be leaving the MotoGP™ World Championship and racing for the Ten Kate Honda team in World Superbikes in 2016. The American joined the premier class in 2003 and scored two podiums in his debut season, his first coming at Motegi.
Multiple years of success with the Repsol Honda team followed, his 2006 World Championship a highlight alongside twice taking victory at Laguna Seca in front of his home fans. After several years with Ducati, Hayden returned to the Honda family with the Aspar MotoGP Team in the Open class.
For 2016 Hayden will be teammates to Michael van der Mark, riding the CBR1000RR Fireblade SP as the America battles to becomes the first rider to win both the MotoGP™ and World Superbike titles.
Nicky Hayden: “Well this will be my last year in MotoGP as I’ll be moving to World Superbike next year with Honda and the Ten Kate team. That’s about all there is to it, not a lot more and nothing too dramatic! These last two years have been not so good and I wasn’t in a position to get the result to keep a high level bike in MotoGP. I’ve always thought SBK might be something I want to try, I liked the racing there, the opportunity felt like a good fit.”
“I’m getting a bit older but I still enjoy the sport and the game. It’ll be a fresh challenge and a new opportunity to go there and have some more fun. Of course I’ll miss MotoGP and I’ve had a great opportunity here and been part of some great teams and worked with some great people but nothing lasts forever and we gotta keep moving, go to SBK with Honda and hopefully have some fun.
Always liked Nicky H, great ambassador for MotoGP and the US.
Should go well in WSBK, be great if he were to get a ride at the IOM........highly unlikely but!
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