Gossip: Hayden to World Superbikes

Rumours have started but the Kentucky Kid quashes them pretty fast

Posted: 17 July 2012
by Visordown News

Don't worry Nicky - the Panigale really is rather good

RUMOURS are flying around that Nicky Hayden will be racing in the Superbike World Championship next year, but the Ducati MotoGP rider has quickly stepped in to counter them.

Hayden, the 2006 MotoGP World Champion, is currently without a renewed contract for 2013and Ducati are known to be talking to Tech 3 Yamaha's Cal Crutchlow.

Hayden has form on a superbike; winning the AMA title in 2002 on a Honda RC51.

A fiery Hayden said: "Everybody says I've spoken to Ducati about World Superbikes. It's never even been mentioned. It's a rumor people say like they know something, which makes me laugh, because it shows how much journalists really don't know."

If Crutchlow does go to Ducati MotoGP, where is Hayden likely to end up?



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Discuss this story

I'd love to see hayden on the panigale next year. Although he is a gp level rider a year in sbk and then the year after a crt ride wouldn't be a bad thing. He'd wipe the floor with checa and biaggi.

Posted: 17/07/2012 at 15:29

I think its also worth mentioning...

Cal was expecting a 2 year contract to be handed to him to examine at the sachsenring, however this did not materialize and Cal has been asking why ?

in parallel to this there are also rumors flying that Vale has told his paymasters at Ducati if he stays then his preferred team mate would be Hayden and this is the reason why Cals contract did not materialize.

However, Vale was also quick to counter the rumors in a recent press conference at Mugello.

Posted: 17/07/2012 at 16:24

Cal for 2 year deal on a Ducati...
Panigali engined CRT anyone?

Posted: 17/07/2012 at 18:42

A Panigali engined CRT wouldn't exist as I believe the limits of the CRT class are 1000cc.

It would a shame to see Hayden go, I think he will be fighting for a Podium with spies at laguna in 2 weeks time

Posted: 17/07/2012 at 23:25

Not that it has anything to do with it, but if there were any justice Dovi would get the factory Yamaha spot, Cal be given one more year on the satellite Yamaha - don't think he deserves a factory ride just yet - and Hayden stay put. Spies goes back to World Supers for mine.

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 02:33

Pretty sensible post Joel Peart - agree with it. Love watching Cal and want him to get the best possible, but just don't think he's ready for it yet. Another year at Tech3 will only help his career. Ben Spies has done Jack Schmidt for me, can't understand how Yamaha want to keep him.

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 09:09

Saw an article which that the reason they wanted to keep Spies at Yamaha is the effect on bike sales in America

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 09:26

Nicky's not going anywhere, and neither is Valentino. Also, from what I've heard Carlos Checa's not been too impressed with the Panigale Superbike....

Posted: 18/07/2012 at 10:44

I shouldn't say this as a Brit and if I'm honest yes of course I'd love Cal to get a factory ride but you are completely right, Dovi deserves a factory bike more than anyone else in the paddock!

Posted: 20/07/2012 at 13:03

Talkback: Gossip: Hayden to World Superbikes