As of PPIR, American Honda and Nicky Hayden have agreed to agree on a contract for 2001 and perhaps beyond. This means Hayden will stay in the US for 2001 and will stay with Honda. Just about every other team in the paddock was interested in signing the teenage phenom. This development will help speed up the process to get other positions solidified on other teams.
Hayden signing means that Kurtis Roberts probably won't be on a Honda Superbike next year. Unless they run three bikes, which is possible. Look for Roberts to join Yoshimura Suzuki or Yamaha on a slicks-only bike if Honda will not give him the Superbike he pines for.

No word if Hayden's deal is for more than one year (which is what Honda wanted) or if it lets him out of Supersport racing (which is what he wanted). Hayden is on his way to the secret Dunlop test at Daytona and could not be reached for comment (pretty much because we misplaced his cell phone number -Doh).

Sources close to Ben Bostrom say that his roller-coaster of a season has done nothing but instill interest in him for next year. Reputedly Castrol Honda, Alstare Suzuki and Aprilia are interested in signing Bostrom for next year. Ducati still has an option on him for 2001 so he may indeed stay with the maker of the mighty 996. If he goes to Honda that has to mean that Aaron Slight is leaving. More on this in a while.