Hayden Not Racing In Brno

Following his violent crash in qualifying last Saturday at the Brickyard, American Ducati rider Nicky Hayden has been advised by medical staff not to race at the Czech Republic Grand Prix in Brno this weekend. The Kentucky man will remain in the United States in an attempt to recover for the race in Misano.

"It’s tough to miss another race," the Ducati rider explained of the decision to skip the race in Brno. "I don’t have big problems, but my hand is still very swollen and I don’t have much strength, and of course right-hand injuries are worse for motorcycle racers.

"The main thing is all the doctors told me racing was a really bad idea and not smart, and everybody on my team agreed. As much as the racer in me doesn’t like staying at home and missing track time and points, I need to listen to the experts and try to heal up and get ready for Misano. That’s an important race for me and for Ducati, and I’ll be doing all the rehab to come back as fit as possible. I don’t like it, but it’s the right thing to do."

Nicky Hayden is currently the highest placed rider from the U.S. in the overall standings with seven races remaining, holding ninth position on a total of 84 points.