Two trips to Indianapolis and two stage appearances has given Nicky Hayden much enjoyment following another fantastic performance on his home land.

The Kentuckian competitor loves competing on US turf having gained many excellent results, however round 12 of the year will be memorised as one significant event, as he claimed his initial Ducati stage result amid home spectators.

After some tough moments in his career following the 2006 World Championship victory, Hayden states that the 2009 campaign has been a very challenging time in his career.

With a bright mood following his third placing behind Jorge Lorenzo and Alex de Angelis at The Brickyard, Hayden explains, “It is great to be on the podium. I am really happy. Everybody knows what a hard season it has been and to be honest it has been the biggest challenge of my life. We have hung in there and caught a couple of breaks today, and I was able to get on the podium again.”

The 28 year-old adds, “I am happy to be up here spraying a little bubbly (champagne)! I have to say a big thanks to all my team, all my family and all my supporters for sticking behind me.”

After challenging a storming shove from Italian opponent Andrea Dovizioso in the remaining stages Hayden states, “He was all over me and I was getting a lot of heat so I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to hold on. It was all or nothing on the last couple of laps and I managed to hold him off, so hopefully we can just keep building on this. I am very pleased and I’m going to enjoy it!”