How would you like to spend your summer vacation? Repsol Honda's Nick Hayden's break in the Grand Prix schedule is filled with racing at the X-Games, something that's not really a surprise to those who know him. He has racing in his blood.

Nick was a couple of seconds off the fastest pace on Friday (and about a second off sixth place) but was enjoying the competition. "This is fun," said Hayden, who is riding a Troy Lee Honda this weekend. "I had three weeks off, so we put this deal together quick. It's a real honor to ride with these guys."

Hayden said the track configuration has changed since he planned to do the event, from 80 percent pavement and no triple jumps to more dirt and at least one triple jump -- something the '06 World Champion wasn't too crazy about with plenty of his GP season ahead.

Nick also said the pavement sections were pretty tough, with one of them lacking grip due to a polished surface. "It's kinda like Urbancross, really," he told 'Soup via cell phone on Friday night.