A 9-day celebration centered around honoring the legacy of Nicky Hayden is taking place this June, with meet-and-greets with NASCAR and MotoGP racers, car and bike shows, and drag strip and dirt track races to celebrate Kentucky’s history with racing. Additionally, participating local businesses and organizations will be raising funds for the Nicky Hayden Foundation with a 6.9% “give back” to honor Hayden’s racing number 69.
The Nicky Hayden Memorial Foundation works primarily out of Owensboro helping local children. In recent years, the organization has worked with the Make-a-Wish Foundation to help a local child with cystic fibrosis receive his dream pirate ship playset. The Foundation has also made other financial contributions to the community.
Kathleen Hayden said she’s glad for the event to honor her Nicky in so many ways — including the Nicky Hayden Memorial ride on June 9 (also written as 6/9), a day the City of Owensboro has previously declared as Nicky Hayden Day. Following the ride, they will have a dinner at Lure Seafood & Grille where they will be selling special edition bottles to benefit the Foundation.
Do Inc. Owner Ben Skiadas said that as host of the week, any businesses and organizations, regardless of industry, can participate in the fundraiser benefitting the Foundation. Find out more about how to do so by emailing Skiadas at [email protected].
“Whether you’re into two wheels, four wheels or no wheels, it’s still going be a great time,” Hayden said.
The 9-day stretch is being called Kentucky Motorsports Week. Some events, times, and details have not been finalized quite yet.
The first day is already scheduled to coincide with the River City Bike Expo. Other events on the schedule include drag and dirt racing at Windy Hollow, along with a Bike Night at Applebee’s on June 7 some other events coming.
More details are expected to be announced as the celebration draws nearer.
