As the 2006 MotoGP World Champion, Hayden was the last winner in the 990cc era before the change to 800cc engine regulations in 2007. The Kentuckian's superbike pedigree – he won the AMA title in 2002 before coming to MotoGP – served him well on the bigger Honda; a manufacturer with whom he has remained loyal since his debut in 2003.

A dedicated approach and consistency ensured that Hayden was the USA's seventh number one in the premier class during '06. He also claimed Honda's 200th premier-class win at Assen that same year. Nicky finished 8th in his title defence and initially had difficulty adapting to the high-corner speed emphasis of the 800s.

He starts his sixth season with the Repsol Honda team in 2008. He has won two of the three Grand Prix held so far at Laguna Seca. In 2006 Hayden became only the second rider to have won the premier-class world title having arrived at the final race of the year not leading the standings. He is the first rider from the USA to win the premier-class title riding a four-stroke machine. Hayden has two brothers, Roger and Tommy, who also road race. Roger Lee competed at Laguna Seca in 2007 and scored six points. Nicky says standing on the podium with his siblings at a past national race as one of his best memories.

2007

2006

2005

2004

2003

MotoGP

MotoGP

MotoGP

MotoGP

MotoGP

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

Honda

18                         3

17         2     3       4

17         1     2       3

15                         2

16                         2

3

10

6

2

2

1               8

1               1

3               3

                 8

                 5