When Laguna Seca MotoGP got underway last month with the
pre-race press conference, Ultimate MotorCycling contributor Ara Ashjian caught
the perfect photo.
The shot (first above) shows Ducati Team’s Nicky Hayden and
Monster Yamaha Tech 3′s Cal Crutchlow when the 2006 MotoGP Champion made his
announcement that he would part ways with Ducati at the end of this season.
There’s a look of consternation on Crutchlow’s face, and
obviously many thoughts rolling through the Brit’s mind. Why? He’s been chasing
a factory ride since joining the premier class in 2011. And though many have
struggled lately with Ducati, including nine-time World Champion Valentino
Rossi, Hayden’s vacant seat on Ducati is a good fit for Crutchlow – out of six
factory rides (Yamaha, Honda, Ducati), it’s the only one remaining in 2014.