Nicky Hayden’s Inaugural Lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
In the Spring of 2008, we attended Nicky Hayden’s inaugural lap of the new MotoGP circuit at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Here’s a behind-the-scenes vid of that special day.
Thanks to Mel Harder, Senior VP of Operations at IMS, we were able to show up with the Media to film this little memento and take a lap on our motorcycles. It was a goosebump-inducing trip down the straightaway and over the yard of bricks. The first lap on a motorcycle was reserved for the Kentucky Kid, which helped set the stage for the following years of MotoGP racing in Indy.
Nicky rode a restored 1909 Indian that actually competed in the first motorized race at IMS. It was once owned by Pop Dreyer and more recently brought back to life by Dale Walksler from Wheels Through Time Museum.
MotoGP racing at IMS has created a revival of motorcycling in Central Indiana and beyond. It’s spurred the return of the legendary Indy Mile along with EnduroCross and stunt competitions being held within the same weekend.
Hard to believe it’s been almost 4 years since Nicky donned the knickers and goggles and chuffed around the GP course on an ol’ Indian. Now, we’ve got the can’t-waits for the fourth Red Bull Indianapolis GP weekend on August 26-28th, 2011!
If you come to Indy for the GP festivities, we hope you enjoy your stay in Hoosier country. Have fun!