‘I won, but not in the fashion I’d like to’ – Haiden Deegan Discusses 250SMX Playoff 1 Victory in Charlotte

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan, the reigning 250SMX champion, emerged victorious at the SMX Playoff 1 in Charlotte. Despite a challenging start in both races, Deegan showcased his determination and racecraft, securing a decisive win in both motos.

Reflecting on his performance during the post-race press conference, Deegan admitted that his starts were less than ideal. “I actually felt kind of off, but it worked out in the end,” he said. “I’m going to go back this week and figure out what I need to improve.”

Deegan highlighted the unique aspects of the hybrid track, noting, “It’s definitely cool with the starts and the technical lines you can find. There are some lines that I don’t think anyone else was even doing.”

On the topic of racecraft, Deegan remarked, “When you’re in the back, you get to see other people’s racecraft and figure out what you can do differently. I was doing lines that no one else was doing, so I don’t think it really mattered.”

Addressing the challenges of the hybrid track, Deegan expressed his enjoyment of the unique setup. “I enjoy these tracks a lot. It’s like a fun Supercross track with ruts and rhythms that make you use every aspect of your skill level,” he said.

Despite his success, Deegan acknowledged areas for improvement. “There were things I didn’t execute as well as I wanted to,” he admitted. “I won, but not in the fashion I’d like to. There are definitely things I need to work on.”

Deegan's performance at Charlotte solidified his reputation as the top rider in the 250SMX class. He combines technical prowess, aggressive riding, and a strategic approach to overcome challenges faced. Then, even if it's a win, he critiques himself to be better than he displayed. That's a champion mentality. He continues his pursuit of his third major title and enters the next Playoff round this weekend in Texas with an eight-point advantage in the 250SMX championship.