Press opportunities held away from the racetrack often see reporters from a range of publications invited to interview MotoGP riders to raise wider publicity for an upcoming race.

That in turn means the riders often face questions about subjects other than racing and, during last Wednesday’s press event at the Lords cricket ground, this light-hearted exchange took place between 2006 world champion Nicky Hayden and a non-motorsports reporter.

It’s safe to say Nicky would rather have been talking racing…

Quite a few of the girls were excited about you coming here. What do you think of that side of the sport?

Hayden:
Yeah, I mean I don’t [laughs nervously]. I’m not a playboy or nothing, I’m just into racing… I mean, any guy that says they don’t like [the attention] would be lying somewhat, but I don’t get too caught up in that part of it.

Is there a Mrs Hayden?

No, no. Single. [Pause]. Make sure you print that too: ‘Single’. Don’t leave that part out!

Single and looking?

Yeah [shrugs] I’m a 28-year-old guy. I mean, I’m not out looking with a flashlight, scraping every street up and down or anything!

Not yet?

No… but, you know.

My friend Gareth has created this website to get some more Scott supporters to donate to the young Brit’s Moto2 cause, and if you have some loose change to spare, you should donate to help Scott secure that Moto2 ride he thoroughly deserves!

Click here to visit the site