Earl Hayden launches 'First Family of Racing' book

Thursday at the Indianapolis MotoGP saw Earl Hayden launch his first book, The First Family of Racing (pictured).

The father of 2006 MotoGP champion Hayden and AMA Champions Tommy and Roger Hayden, Earl has long been a popular figure in racing paddocks from modest dirt ovals to MotoGP.

Published by Butler Books, with a foreword by three-time 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts, The First Family of Racing is just under 200 pages long.

In it, Earl provides a first-hand account of growing up in small-town Kentucky, falling in love with racing, raising kids, seeing the country and world through the racing circuit, and surviving cancer with faith and hope.

Even the most diehard fans will learn something new as Earl recounts the early days of teaching his young children to ride, then crisscrossing the country with all five kids, watching them race and eventually become U.S. and world champions. Earl's story is interspersed with chapters by all of his family members.

"I've been blessed to have a great life so far, and I'm happy to have the opportunity to share it," said Earl, who is donating his portion of the proceeds from this book to St. Joseph's Peace Mission for Children, an emergency shelter for abused children in the Hayden family's hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky.

"I'm really passionate about this charity, and I hope to see it do well. If this book can entertain people and help make a difference, I'll be tickled pink."

Signed copies will be available during this Indianapolis Grand Prix race weekend at the Hayden Brothers General Store. The book can also be purchased online through the General Store website and Amazon.