MotoGP World Champion’s young cousin making waves in road racing Owensboro, KY The name ‘Hayden’ probably rings a bell right now. The latest American racing dynasty is of course from Owensboro, Kentucky and is affectionately known as Earl’s Race Team. No sooner had Earl Hayden’s middle son, Nicky, taken the ultimate prize by becoming the latest American MotoGP World Champion, defeating seven-time world champion Valentino Rossi for the title, did his cousin, Hayden Gillim, pick up the silverware in the junior ranks and following rapidly, very rapidly, in his cousin’s footsteps. Last weekend in Las Vegas, Gillim, the 11-year-old cousin to Tommy, Nicky and Roger, was standing up and thanking his team, sponsors and family for their support and help in becoming the AMA Youth Dirt Track Rider of the Year 2006. He also became the AMA Sports Youth Rider of the Year 2006. The way he delivered his speech was on a par with his obvious natural talent on the race track and would’ve made most parents of children much older very proud. “I’m simply delighted for the boy,” said Uncle Earl, from his Owensboro home. “It has been a heck of a year for the whole family, and this is a really nice way to round off the year. I hope he enjoyed the experience, but that he was back in school the following week. That’s the most important thing right now.” Hayden appears to have the same fighting spirit that has become so synonymous within the Hayden family the will to win burns stronger than anything, and that is shining through in Hayden’s young, determined focus to keep it in the family. Next year, it is anticipated that young Hayden will be riding in both road racing and dirt track series. One thing appears for sure – the Hayden dynasty is as strong as ever, and maybe not just for the next few years – maybe for much, much longer. Finally, while watching the other Haydens, keep this thought in the back of your mind – there’s a new generation coming sideways ’round the corner and he’s going very, very fast!