How excited is this guy to have to skip his home race? I’m pretty sure the answer is: not very excited at all.

Ok, 2014 hasn’t worked out the way Nicky Hayden hoped, with expectations for his return to Honda being, let’s say, not met.

In fact, things haven’t worked out for the 2006 World Champion since 2009 when he joined Ducati. But has has always made the best of his imperfect situation in a style of character and heart that his fans know well and perhaps love best about The Kentucky Kid.

So perhaps 2014 is now a write off, given the underpowered customer Honda and the latest wrist operation and the resulting decision to skip the IMS and Brno MotoGP rounds.

But that look in his eyes will remain as long as Nicky Hayden has a motorcycle to race.

Click the image above to see it larger.