Hayden's cousin killed in dirt track race.

10-year-old Ethan Gillim, a second cousin of MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden, passed away from injuries suffered in a racing accident on Saturday at Paducah International Raceway in a round of the AMA Sports Black Cat Gold Dirt Track Championships.

According to reports provided to AMA Flat Track director Ken Saillant by the event promoter, Gillim lost control of his motorcycle and fell during a heat race. Gillim, was transported to nearby Lourdes Hospital but passed away later Saturday evening.

Paducah International Raceway was planning on cancelling all races on Sunday, but the Gillim family asked that the races continue in memory of their son. Nicky Hayden's father, Earl, helped sponsor Ethan.

"We are stunned and saddened at Ethan's passing," said Saillant. "Many of us at the AMA watched Ethan come up through the ranks over the past few years and it was obvious that Ethan had a bright future in the sport. We extend our deepest sympathies to both the Gillim and Hayden families."

Ethan was considered one of the leading youth riders in America. He was a multi-time AMA Amateur National Champion and earned the AMA Sports Youth Dirt Tracker of the Year award in 2004, and also nominated for the 2004 AMA Sports Youth Rider of the Year.

Ethan is survived by his parents, Frankie and Kerrie Gillim, and brothers, Frankie Lee, and Hayden.