Haiden Deegan entered the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX season as the clear favorite, with fans and analysts alike expecting dominance regardless of which coast he competed on. However, as the season progresses, it’s evident that the young rider is struggling to meet these lofty expectations. The San Diego round served as a microcosm of Deegan’s season so far, showcasing both his undeniable talent and the hurdles he must overcome.
In qualifying, Deegan demonstrated why he was a preseason favorite. He topped the time sheets and set the fastest lap in his heat race, outpacing the competition by over a second. His raw speed and skill were undeniable, but the day took a dramatic turn during the heat race. While running third, a crash in the whoops derailed his momentum, casting a shadow over his earlier success.
In the main event, Deegan’s resilience was on full display. Starting in eighth, he clawed his way back to finish third, even setting the fastest lap of the race. Despite this impressive recovery, Deegan’s inability to close the gap to the leader underscored a recurring issue this season. The frustration was palpable during his TV podium interview with Jason Thomas, where Deegan candidly admitted his struggles. He praised Julien Beaumer’s performance while expressing disappointment in his own. “I just got a little pumped up in the beginning, and it went on from there,” Deegan said, adding that he’s determined to work harder in the weeks ahead.
When asked about his rough start to the season, Deegan did not shy away from his feelings. “I just want to win. It’s miserable not winning. It’s like I go through these weeks and it’s just like it sucks, man, but we’ll figure it out. It will come around here soon. A positive at least—we got through this round safe, and it was still a podium. We just got to figure out how to get to that top step.”
Deegan also addressed the issue of arm pump, a condition that affects many riders by limiting their grip and control during races. “Yeah, definitely, the boys were good today. I was a little restricted. I’ve got to work on this arm pump; it’s something I really struggle with, but we’ll figure it out. It’s nothing,” he said confidently.
As the season continues, Haiden Deegan’s potential remains undeniable, but the path to victory is proving more challenging than anticipated. With his determination and drive, fans can expect him to address these obstacles and fight for the success that many still believe is within his reach.