The annual Nicky Hayden Day Memorial Ride is set for June 8, bringing riders, fans, and the community together to honor the late MotoGP World Champion and Owensboro native through a motorcycle ride, live music, food trucks, and fundraising for local nonprofits.
The event will begin at 1 p.m. with opening ceremonies at the Nicky Hayden statue outside the Owensboro Convention Center, where members of the Hayden family will speak. From there, riders will embark on a memorial route through the city, including a stop at the resting plots of Nicky and his father, Earl Hayden, before returning downtown.
“It’s special to see the turnout,” said Kathleen Hayden of the Nicky Hayden Memorial Foundation. “People come from quite a few different places just to show support for his legacy. Nicky never forgot where he came from. He traveled the world, but any weekend he could, he came back to Owensboro.”
Now in its sixth year, the ride has become a cornerstone event for the foundation and community. Last year drew nearly 200 riders, and organizers expect a similar turnout this year. Hayden’s brothers, Tommy and Roger Lee, as well as other local racers, are expected to participate again.
The event will also feature food trucks, live music, and the return of the Hayden Bros General Store pop-up, which will offer event shirts and merchandise. Proceeds from the ride and merchandise sales will benefit local nonprofit organizations.
“As in previous years, we’ll honor two local charities during the event, and we’ll raise money for a third — though we haven’t revealed which one yet,” Hayden said. “That’s one of our favorite parts of the event, getting to spotlight local causes.”
While the ride remains the centerpiece, Hayden said the foundation has recently taken on new initiatives beyond the event — including a partnership with Wendell Foster to provide an accessible playground. She said the project reflects the foundation’s broader mission to support children and families in the region.
“The equipment has been delivered, and we’re hopeful it can be built by June 8,” Hayden said. “Kids were always important to Nicky, so being able to do this in his honor is really meaningful to our whole family.”
The motorcycle ride is not a sanctioned event. Riders participate at their own risk.
All proceeds benefit local nonprofits through the Nicky Hayden Memorial Foundation.
