Haiden Deegan Eyes 450 Ride at Budds Creek Finale
With the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) on pause, Haiden Deegan has seized the opportunity to train on a Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing YZ450F. Bobby Regan, founder of Star Racing, has confirmed that Deegan is already demonstrating considerable pace on the larger machine, leading the team to greenlight a potential entry in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship finale at Budds Creek, contingent on his securing the 250 title beforehand.
Currently, Deegan holds a commanding 45-point lead in the 250 standings over Jo Shimoda. To clinch the championship early, Deegan needs to extend his margin by at least six points over the next four motos at Ironman and Unadilla, thereby avoiding the possibility of a tiebreaker.
Deegan has a proven track record at Budds Creek, having won the 250 class last year and showing dominant form in the first moto of 2023 before a red flag interrupted his lead. While he will revert to the 250 for the SMX Playoffs, the potential of a one-off 450 ride at the finale raises questions about his versatility and future in the upper category. The upcoming races will be pivotal for both Deegan and the Star Racing team as they navigate these developments.
