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MotoGP Legend Nicky Hayden is settling into WorldSBK well, with podiums and a Race win under his belt already as the paddock sets sail for the glorious Californian racetrack of Laguna Seca. The legendary home of the Corkscrew corner was the stage of Hayden’s first GP win, a year before he took the crown, and is a track that brings good memories and good confidence as a circuit that has always seen him shine.

“I get goosebumps now thinking about it,” says Hayden of the first win. “To win your first GP at home was an incredible moment. But I guess it’s something I’ll think about more after my career…”

Although the memories are good, the Kentucky Kid is now most definitely focused on the future and on the challenge ahead: his first taste of Laguna Seca as a full time WorldSBK rider.

“It’s the first real track I went to at GP level,” explains Hayden. “And lot of people talk about the Corkscrew, but nobody ever talks about Turn 1. T1 is a very demanding corner and it’s important for the lap time – mentally too. The first half of the track is pretty flat corners and it’s important to really attack and keep good corner speed, then once you get to the top of the Corkscrew and drop down, it’s more flowing and there’s more banked corners. And the last corner is a good place to pass.”

With the improving Fireblade and more and more experience of the bike and the tyres, Hayden is set to attack his home Round in the way he’s accustomed to – at 100%.

“The goal is to go and do the absolute maximum,” he says with a smile, adding that the maximum is what he always gives. “I have to try and get on the podium – hopefully we can have a big crowd there and find something extra.”

Round 9 of the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship sees WorldSBK hit up California from the 8^th-10^th July as Hayden prepares to head home to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca and give the home crowd something to cheer for.