WorldSBK Press Office

One year on from his passing, the charm and talent of US icon Nicky Hayden is still remembered fondly across the motorcycling world. Hayden was not just a much beloved figure through every paddock he stepped foot on, he was also an example on-track for an entire generation of American riders, including current WorldSBK riders PJ Jacobsen (TripleM Honda World Superbike Team) and Jake Gagne (Red Bull Honda World Superbike Team), who were just 13 years old when the Kentucky Kid won his MotoGP championship.

As WorldSBK rolls into Laguna Seca – the scene of one of Hayden’s four WorldSBK podiums and two wins in MotoGP - PJ Jacobsen has wanted to use his first foray onto the Californian track in a world championship to pay tribute to the late legend.

On Saturday, the TripleM Honda team will unveil a special commemorative livery honoring Hayden on Jacobsen’s CBR1000RR machine, with the rider also wearing matching leathers and helmet.

Speaking on the occasion, Jacobsen said: “It's exciting to be racing in front of my home fans and to honor Nicky with a special design on my bike, helmet and leathers, and the team and I can't wait to get started.”