Copyright 2002, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

By David Swarts

A member of Nicky Hayden’s management team said Hayden has not signed a deal to ride a MotoGP Yamaha, despite a news report implying the contrary.

“I know what you’re calling about,” said Steve Dicterow Tuesday afernoon via his cell phone. Dicterow, along with Gary Howard, is part of Ohio-based International Racers, Inc., which manages Hayden.

“I can just say at this moment, the report is premature,” continued Dicterow. “I think within 48-72 hours we will know what we are doing. But right now, it is premature for anybody to be commenting on what we are doing. That is not appropriate yet. But I do expect by the end of the week, because everybody in the world wants to know what Nicky’s doing, I think by the end of the week, we will be able to comment further. But at this point, it is simply inappropriate for anybody to be speculating.”

When asked if, as stated in the news report, Hayden had faced any signing deadline issued by American Honda, Dicterow said, “I’m not aware of any deadline at this point. We are actively analyzing our situation, but we are not under the gun that way.”

RW: You mean you are not under any deadline except your own schedule?

Dicterow: “Exactly.”

Dicterow added that he would be pleased to speak to Roadracingworld.com later this week when Hayden’s plans are finalized.

Nicky Hayden flew from California to his home in Kentucky on an overnight flight, was sleeping in and was unavailable for comment mid-day Tuesday.

In a telephone call to Roadracingworld.com Monday, August 26, Hayden said that he still did not know what he would be doing next year.