Owensboro unveils Nicky Hayden statue

The home town of 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden has unveiled a statue in honour of the racer, a year on from when he tragically died in a cycling accident in Italy. Uncovered last night by his family in Owensboro, Kentucky, the statue commemorates Nicky’s famous home win at Laguna Seca in his championship-winning season.

Commissioned by the city and the Hayden family (Nicky’s parents, siblings, and fiancée, as well as members of his extended family), the bronze sculpture was created by Loveland, Colorado’s George Lundeen, who was in attendance with the Haydens. And, speaking last night at the unveiling, older brother Tommy says that it’s been an emotional process.

“This event and this sculpture mean a great deal to our family. In the year since his death, we’ve been blown away by the outpouring of support from locals and people all over the world. A number of Nicky’s fans have told me that they would like to have a destination where they can pay their respects to their hero, and this statue will serve that purpose. In addition, I hope it will serve as a tangible reminder to Owensboro citizens that it’s possible to achieve great things while remaining true to your community, just like Nicky did.”