Since the Hayden brothers, Eddie, Kenny and Bobby, began racing in the 1970’s, the Hayden name has reached legendary status on the local short track racing scene. However, in the late 90’s and early in the new millennium, it was not uncommon to see one or no Hayden’s at the track at all. Well, after the August 11/12 weekend, you could say that the Hayden comeback has reached its peak.

Five, yes, five Haydens were in action on both nights this weekend in the factory stock class at Auto City and Dixie. All five started both feature events, marking the first time in recent years (possibly ever), that five members of the same family started features in the same division, on the same night.

Friday night at Dixie was a wild one. Kyle was 2nd quick time in the Auto Pride Collision/Duke’s Car Stereo Monte Carlo with a 16.233. Eddie clocked in 6th quick, and Curtis was 9th, Johnny 10th in his first time ever at Dixie, and “Sgt.” Eddie Hayden 11th quickest in the 25 car field. In the 25-lap feature, “Fast” Eddie rolled off 4th, Kyle 6th. The other 3 just barely missed the invert. From the drop of the green flag all 5 were on a mission toward the front. Kyle made a few daring moves and was running 3rd after only 3 laps. He quickly closed in on the 2nd place car, and got up next to him going down the backstretch into turn 3. However, going into the turn the two came together and brought out the caution, sending both to the rear. A couple of laps later Curtis got on the gas a little soon, and sent Johnny spinning into the infield. Curtis was a sportsman and took fault and went to the rear alone. At the halfway point “Fast” Eddie was 4th in the Hubbard’s Military Supply Camaro, and Johnny and “Sgt.” Eddie were hanging around in the top 10. After another restart, Kyle began picking off more cars, and had moved up into the top 10. However, this was short lived as when he got next to Johnny, something broke on the front of the #64 Muffler Man Chevy and sent him directly into Kyle left rear tire, which bent the axle and ended his night, along with Johnny’s. A few laps later, Curtis had a small fire caused by a burnt spark plug wire, which ended his night as well. “Fast” Eddie had a great run in the top 5 until another car sent him airborne, and when he came down it smashed a hole in his oil pan, ending his night as well. So, the only Hayden left was the Sarge and he gave it all he had in his first Dixie race in over 4 years to come home with a great 5th place run.

After the carnage on Friday night, all 5 got their cars fixed to run Auto City on Saturday. “Fast” Eddie qualified 3rd, Kyle 5th, “Sgt.” Eddie 12th, and Curtis and Johnny had run the last chance race. In the last chance race Curtis started on the pole and took off from the field to take his first ever checkered flag in the #23 Fenton Machine Shop/Colorful Creations Camaro! This after a broken tie-rod knocked him out of the heat race. Johnny was hot on his heels for a 1-2 Hayden finish. In the 25-lap feature Kyle started off 5th, but a wheel failure caused him to pull off after only a couple laps. Not too long after, Curtis pulled off as well, citing handling problems as the reason. “Fast” Eddie kept his car out of trouble and in the front to bring it home 6th. “Sgt.” Eddie ran another great race to come home 8th. Johnny started 18th and kept it clean to come home just outside the top 10.

“Sgt.” Eddie Hayden, Jr. will be leaving to go back to his base in New York this week. We wish him all the best and hope he stays safe. His dad, “Fast” Eddie Hayden, Sr. may be taking some time off to do some repair work to his Camaro, or he may just call it a season, only time will tell. But, you can expect to see Kyle, Curtis, and Johnny in action this weekend at Auto City for “Clio Good Neighbor Night,” anyone with a valid Clio/Mt. Morris picture I.D. gets into the stands absolutely free!!

See ya at the track!!