American media legend, Eric Johnson presents us with this very cool look at the sensational American talent that is Haiden Deegan, son of Brian Deegan, another legend in his own right.

Ricky Carmichael is terrifically impressed with Haiden Deegan.

"At the end of the day, yeah, he’s just so strong,” said Carmichael, a 15-time champion and considered to be the GOAT of global motocross.

“I always say this: he just has something special and something that you can’t teach. I totally believe Haiden and myself were very similar racers. When you talk about just the styles and riding and how we are on the bike, I feel like that is where the common thread is between a guy like Haiden and myself and how we ride. We kind of hang it out, and maybe don’t do everything perfect as far as technique. We just find a way a win. And at the end of the day that is the most important thing. I just feel like Haiden is one of those guys that want to win so bad. Haiden is one of those guys who will just find a way to win somehow, someway, right or wrong. It’s going to be a lot of fun to watch. At the end of the day when we get to see these two collide, Jett Lawrence and Haiden Deegan, the contrast in style and approach, it’s going to be fun to watch it play out.”

No arguments from Deegan.

“100 percent. I do what it takes to win,” said Deegan, who is running away with the AMA 250cc National Championship this summer. “I feel like it has always been my thing. That’s how I was kind of raised, and my dad has definitely pushed me to that point. He pushed me to take no crap, and you’ve got to figure out how to win.”

Nineteen years of age and the son of legendary X Games and freestyle motocross pioneer and competitor Brian Deegan, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing pilot is already being typecast as the young American racer to answer to the Australian Lawrence and his winning ways in the premier 450cc classification.

“It’s pretty gnarly how people are already comparing me to Jett,” said Deegan, who will graduate to the 450cc division in 2026 to cross swords with Lawrence. “Even with Jett, the best 450 guy, they’re already trying to compare me with him and that I’m supposed to compete with him in my first year on the 450 in 2026, you know? Again, I can give myself a pat on the back for being in that position, but I feel like the hype sometimes kind of brings a false image. Sometimes you’ve got to be realistic when people get a little out of hand. I’m always for it. I always have my goals set high and I’m always down to work towards them."

The hype and expectation is now very much a part of Deegan’s trajectory in the sport, and the Californian brought all of this on himself.

“I definitely have earned it because whether people like me or not, no matter what it is, everyone kind of bases themselves off of me, which is definitely a little weird," he said.

"I’ve realized I’ve put myself in a position to where I have a lot of eyes on me. And wanting to win is something definitely mental. You have to be able to push yourself to do that, even at the worst times. Another thing in me, I know I want to win as bad as I do because the weekends I don’t win the whole week leading up to the next race I’m just constantly thinking about how I’m going to get better and how I’m going to win the next race. It’s almost like a constant mind race for me in how to get better and that’s definitely the mental side of it.”

Deegan is very much looking forward to testing that mindset against Lawrence in 2026.

“I’m excited,” said Deegan. “Next year should be the year I race the outdoors on a 450. I know it’s going to be hard. I feel like throughout my career, me, my family, my teams, we’ve always figured out how to get to the winning step, no matter what it was. I feel like coming into the pro ranks, everyone was kind of doubting me. I figured out how to start winning in the 250 class. I know the 450 class is going to be hard, but I feel like I’ve got a great team around me and I’m so immensely strong and want to work hard that I don’t see it being a huge problem.

“It’s cool because I definitely was born with a natural talent on a dirt bike. I can’t deny that. If we just keep working hard and doing what we’re doing I think it can be a good season on the 450 when we get there.

"I know Jett is the top 450 guy right now. You can’t put it any other way. He’s winning and he’s winning the championships. Everyone seems to be comparing us right now, I get it. They want to build the hype up. That’s a little crazy at the moment because I’ve never even ridden a factory 450. Give me some time, guys! It’s cool.

"I think Jett is a badass on a dirt bike and there is no denying that. Everyone has their weaknesses and it is just going to take me some time to find those. I don’t see myself not being able to beat him. I 100 percent believe in my head that my program and the base that I have will allow me to go out there and be one of those guys that can beat him.”