A very cool look from legendary American journalist, Eric Johnson as he gives us some interesting comments from both Ricky Carmichael and Haiden Deegan about their similar paths to greatness. Check out EJ’s article below.

No single racer has dominated the sport of global motocross and made it his own as Ricky Carmichael. A fifteen-time champion who was known for his demonic drive, work ethic and will to win, Carmichael has taken notice of an American racer named Haiden Deegan.

“At the end of the day, yeah, he’s just so strong,” said Carmichael from his home if Florida. “I always say this: he just has something special and something that you can’t teach. I totally believe Haiden and I 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 is taken into consideration. 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.”

For one Haiden Deegan, it all simply comes down to winning.

“100-percent. I do what it takes to win,” declared Deegan. “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,” pointed out 250cc ace Deegan, who will ultimately 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 again, 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 now very much a part of Deegan’s trajectory in the sport, the Californian brought it all upon himself by simply being such a spectacular young talent. In other words, Deegan brought all of this on himself.

“I agree. 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. I’ve realized I’ve put myself in a position to where I have a lot of eyes on me.”

A winner of 150 AMA Pro races and undisputedly considered the GOAT of worldwide motocross, Ricky Carmichael sees something of himself in Deegan.

“I’ve been very impressed,” offered Carmichael, a man known for choosing his words. “It’s very similar to the likes of Jett Lawrence. Rarely do you see these types with this level of talent coming through and to be able to handle the pressure and to be that mentally strong as he is at such a young age.

Deegan has done a remarkable job of dealing with pressure and the mental side of world class racing.

“I feel pressure, we get nervous on the line, which is normal. I’ve never really had a problem with pressure. I’ve always kind of adapted to it. I know it affects some racers. It’s never affected me. I’ve always figured out how to come out on top. I’m fine with the pressure. I was raised with it. It’s not like I really had the choice. The pressure kind of came who I was as a little kid just because of my dad. I’ve had to adapt to it. I’ve had to deal with it 100-percent. I feel like I’ve done well with that.

“And wanting to win is something definitely mental,” furthered Deegan. “100-percent. 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 matching up against 450cc ace jet Lawrence come 2026.

“I’m excited,” said Deegan. “I mean I think 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 bad ass o 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. 1 100-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. Who knows? It can be my first season on the 450. It can take two seasons. I’m not sure. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, which I’m willing to do and I’m already doing. It may take time, it may come quick, but we’ll see.”