The 2005 season was a huge success for Hayden Racing.

Johnny, of course, claimed his first career track championship in the Thunder Truck class at Auto City, taking the title by a mere three points. Johnny had 13 top-5 finishes in 13 feature starts. He had the fastest qualifying lap once, and took four heat/dash wins. Johnny also made one factory stock start in Jim Miller’s #9 car. He went through the semi and made the feature event, getting some valuable seat time.

Kyle also had a successful season in what is arguably the toughest division in the state of Michigan, the Auto City factory stocks. In 23 starts at Auto City, Kyle had 19 top-10 finishes, 10 of those being top 5 finishes, and took 3 feature wins in his rookie season. He had nearly 200 more points than the next closest rookie, taking 4th in the final overall standings. Kyle also set the fastest qualifying lap three times, and took 3 heat/pursuit wins and 2 dash wins. He also only had one DNF in the entire season! Kyle also made his first ever appearance at the Spartan Speedway for the “Street Stock Slugfest,” and in 4 starts had 3 top-10 finishes, 2 of those being top-5’s, and took a heat race win. He was also running second in a feature when mechanical problems forced him to retire.

“Fast” Eddie Hayden actually drove two different cars. He drove a Pro-Late Model at Dixie and drove the Thunder Truck at Auto City. He had second quick time in the truck and was running strong in the feature, when a flat tire forced him to retire.

Curtis Hayden, Kyle’s brother, made one start in the #22 Factory Stock. He finished 4th in his heat race, and brought the car home 10th in his first ever feature appearance.

“Sgt.” Eddie Hayden Jr. also made a couple starts in a sportsman type car at a local track in New York. No exact results are known at this time, but we all wish him well and kee him in your thoughts and prayers, as he will be shipping out to Afghanistan in January.

Also, congrats to the other “Shade Tree Gang” members Tony Brabbs, Joe Hodgeson Jr., and Tim Priebe for all having excellent seasons in the modified class. We are all looking forward to watching you guys again next season.

We have a lot of people to thank for all of their support during the 2005 season: Kenny Hayden - for doing nearly all of the work on the #22 car, as well as providing a lot of financial support - without him, Kyle would not be where he is today! Beth Hayden, for doing all the cooking and taping the races, she just makes our evening so much more enjoyable and easier. Jamie Owens and Lindsay Hayden - for putting up with Johnny and Kyle constantly talking/thinking/breathing racing, you know the saying, behind every racer is a great woman. “Fast Eddie, for doing a lot of work on the 1x truck, and helping Johnny to his first ever title. Also, special thanks to “Uncle” Tim Priebe for hauling Kyle’s car to Spartan for them all 4 times they went. Tony Brabbs for building Kyle and AWESOME motor and giving advice whenever Kyle or Kenny asked. Also, to Joe Hodgeson for helping us out with handling advice on his old car.

And we can’t forget our big sponsors:
-Duke’s Car Stereo
-Colorful Creationg Painting (you STILL get 22% off of total invoice, just mention that you saw their ad on Kyle’s car!! 810-639-6066)
-Kate’s Kreations Family Hair Care
-Hatch Auto Sales
-Phil’s Transmissions
-Prevomotorsports.com
-Muffler Man of Holly
-Speedway Sports in Clio
-Freeman’s Auto Salvage
-Grandma and Grandpa Priebe
-And everyone who helped us along during the 2005 season, we appreciate all of the track officials, fellow drivers, and race fans!

We are already preparing for next season, with 3 factory stocks in Kenny’s pole barn, all getting ready for the 2006 season. “Fast” Eddie is also the owner of the defending championship truck, and also working on a Camaro to enter in the factory stock class as well.

More old pictures will be up soon!!