An American rider from Owensboro, Kentucky (July 30, 1981 – May 22, 2017). Hayden began his sporting career with dirt track racing, starting at four years old. While in high school at the age of 17 he was racing factory Honda RC45 superbikes. In 1999 became youngest ever AMA 600 Supersport Champion with privateer Honda. In 2000, he progressed to the AMA Superbike category and finished second overall, just five points behind Mat Mladin. In 2001 he closed the season in third place. 2002 is his best year as he won the Daytona 200 and became youngest ever AMA Superbike Champion.
He is one of a long line of American road racers to come from the American dirt-track scene. Hayden joined the MotoGP in 2003 with Repsol Honda team and got 5th position in o
