Minichamps Honda RC211V w. Figure and Flag - 2006 Valencia Moto GP - #69 N. Hayden 1:12

The set celebrates the greatest moment of Nicky Hayden’s career, when he became 2006 MotoGP World Champion, defeating the might of Valentino Rossi and Yamaha. 2006 was only the American rider’s fourth season in the top echelon of two-wheeled racing, having scored just the one victory across his previous three campaigns. Hayden had always been a consistent rider, but in 2006 he mated that attribute with more competitive results. He recorded nine podiums in the first 11 races, including two victories, which were scored at Assen and Laguna Seca. He then failed to trouble the rostrum across the next five rounds, however. At the penultimate grand prix of the year in Estoril, his rookie team-mate Dani Pedrosa wiped them both out of the race in a wild overtaking attempt. This saw Hayden come into the season finale, Valencia, eight points behind Rossi, who had amassed five wins over the course of the year. It seemed to be all over bar the shouting. But sensationally it was Rossi who cracked under the pressure, the Italian rider falling in the early stages of the race. He remounted to finish 13th, but a return to the podium in third place was enough for Hayden to secure the 2006 world crown by just five points. On his victory lap he carried the American flag. Minichamps’ 1:12 ‘tribute set’ recreates that moment, featuring a riding figure of Nicky astride his 2006 Honda RC211V, the American flag in his hand. It is a limited edition of just 1,017 pieces worldwide.