The Kentucky Kid

When do you say that enough is enough and give up? All of us think of it at some time. But it is those who keep focused, keep calm and carry on that win through in the end.

Such thoughts must be going through the mind of Nicky Hayden this week. Nicky is a great racer and deserved his World Championship win in 2006. This season he is, for the first time riding the Ducati but so far with not a lot of luck. In Qatar he had engine failure and a massive high side in practice - perhaps linked to a bike failure - that put him in hospital. Thankfully, although he was shaken up badly bruised and needed stitches in his chest, he had no broken bones.

In the Japanese GP last Sunday, starting in 10th place he was taken off on the first lap by local boy makes racer, Yuki Takahashi, and he took no further part in the race.

I know everyone wants Nicky to do well. He is a great guy and he has a riding style that could suit the Ducati - if he could just get the chance to put in enough laps to get to know the machine. And then to race it. My wishes may not make much difference but I do wish the Kentucky Kid the very best of luck from now on. Let everyone see how good you are. So, Nicky, keep focused, keep calm and carry on!