Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan will accelerate his career in lining up at this weekend’s Houston 250SX East opener, as the team will also expand its 450SX roster with the addition of Justin Cooper.

Deegan finished fifth in the Supercross Futures class at Anaheim 2 after a series of misfortune in the main event, now set for his professional Monster Energy Supercross debut just one week later.

“I’m really looking forward to making my pro debut in Supercross,” Deegan commented. “It’s going to be a big learning experience for me and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Deegan, 17, joins Nate Thrasher and Jordon Smith for the opening round of the 250SX East season, while Nick Romano is instead now due to debut at a later stage of the series following a disrupted pre-season.

“I had an injury January 3rd and that unfortunately set me back on our plans,” Romano explained. “I was set to make my pro debut in Supercross this weekend at Houston, but for now the plan is to keep riding and get myself back to 100 percent before I go out there and race.

“Being as young as I am and thinking long term, while not even racing a Supercross yet, the team and I believe this was the best plan. I’m going to keep working and I’ll be out there soon with the boys!”

As for 2021 eastern regional title-winner Cooper, at 25 years of age he’s due for his first 450SX appearance in what’s always been scheduled as a part-time role alongside defending champion Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis riding the new generation YZ450F.

“It’s been about two years since I’ve lined up for a Supercross and now it’s in a new class with the best guys, so I’m excited to just get out there,” said Cooper. “I’m looking to get back under the lights and learn what I can. Overall, I’m just really excited to be in the position to be out there, so I’m going to make the most of it and enjoy it!”