Racers are a close-knit community, and when there’s a loss in that community, they close ranks.
Such is the case this week after the death of former Moto GP champion Nicky Hayden, who died earlier this week after being hit by a car while bicycling in Italy.
Hayden, known as the “Kentucky Kid,” was popular with fans and fellow racers alike and his loss was felt deeply.
To honor Hayden’s memory seven-time Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson organized a 69-mile bicycle ride in Charlotte Friday morning, the No. 69 being Hayden’s number.
It was a fitting and classy way to pay tribute to a fallen comrade.