The odd ‘taboo’ subject within the world of racing at the moment and following in light of the announcement that #69 will be retired from MotoGP in memory of Nicky Hayden, retiring numbers. Not everyone has taken to the news with as much excitement as Dorna might have hoped?…

Ultimately, so long as the family of Nicky are happy with the action that has been made, that’s all that really matters, regardless of the surrounding politics at the end of the day.

“It gives me great pleasure to honour his legacy once again to ensure the #69 remains synonymous with a legend and a champion”. – Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports

Many disagree with the act of retiring a number; why? It’s an honourable gesture, normally either in memoriam or as a tribute to their achievements – which you’d think is lovely.

I personally understand why people believe the notion is unnecessary, I do. Now they’ve started retiring them, where do they draw the line before politics is involved, who deserves better etc? There will be questions and uproar from supporters somewhere along the line. I understand the controversy, as at some point you run the risk of running out of numbers connected to greats, ‘the untouchables’ so many youngsters aspire to be.

Famously, you’ve got riders such as Nicolò Bulega who in his junior Moto3 career ran the number 46. Valentino Rossi made the statement in 2016 that he wouldn’t want his number to be retired from grand prix racing.

“I prefer that it remains and if someone wants to take the number, they can.” – Valentino Rossi

Of course taking on a number such as 46 linked to a championship great, even 93 in the future, you’d feel like in a sense you have a lot to live up to on the grid and maybe that is why Dorna chose to eliminate particulars – to protect the identity of a number linked with a rider for the history books going forward? I can, of course, agree to this too.

There are several numbers that have now been retired, following the death of Luis Salom, his number #39 was also retired from use in the Moto2 class.

• Marco Simoncelli – #58 – Can be used with the Simoncelli family’s blessing.
• Kevin Schwantz – #34
• Daijiro Kato – #74
• Loris Capirossi – #65
• Shoya Tomizawa – #48

What are your thoughts? It’s safe to say there will never be a right or a wrong in the viewers eyes, as whatever decision is/isn’t made even in a perfect world will still always be argued. I personally believe it’s an honourable gesture on behalf of Dorna/FIM, to protect the legacy left by riders who either under unfortunate circumstances are no longer with us or have contributed their lives to motorsport. I do also see why people think it’s not really needed, so I’d love to hear your opinion!

Regardless of the surrounding politics, it was fantastic to see so many people unite in another milestone of the late Nicky Hayden, who is sorely missed by all. #69

Credit: foxfuel.home.blog

#Race #Racing #Bike #Moto #MotoGP