The 250MX title defense of Haiden Deegan couldn’t be off to a better start results-wise, as the current red plate-holder has gone four-for-four in terms of moto wins, securing both overall victories to commence Pro Motocross 2025. Based on his current form, it’s clear Deegan has no plans of letting up – and yes, it’s already fair to wonder if a perfect season might be in the cards.

Warning signs were plenty for the competition in the lead-up, with the newly-crowned 250SX West class champion having sung his praises for the outdoors, expressing his personal preference while simultaneously taking charge of the indoor series and claiming what was his maiden maiden crown in the stadiums (at least, outside of his previous 250SMX success).

“Outdoors-wise, I am riding really well and it’s the best I have ever felt,” Deegan mentioned after his 250SX title triumph in Denver. “My bike is set-up is good and I’m excited for the outdoors. Every time I get outdoors, I have a smile on my face, then when I get back to Supercross, it kind of goes away… I love the outdoors, it’s my happy place, and I’m excited.”

This could be seen as a chess move, in a sense, because if the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider just clocked everyone indoors, but has a preference for the then-upcoming motocross season, that could spell trouble for the rest of the field, right? The thing is, he wasn’t joking or playing games.

Image: Octopi Media.

Not that much more proof was needed after his ultra-strong rookie campaign in 2023, where at times he did give eventual champion Hunter Lawrence fits, or last year’s title win, where he claimed the crown with one whole round to spare. This, despite his upbringing largely based around becoming a Supercross champion.

Deegan genuinely loves the great outdoors and that’s a big problem for everyone else. So much so that there hasn’t been a rider who has gotten close to the number one after four motos this year, giving the early impression that the 250 Class title is on its way back to Tallahassee, as well as with – dare we suggest – the possibility of a 22-0 results sheet.

Yeah, we get it, to mention such is an early thing to say, although if these first four races are anything to go by, if he can execute another 18 like that, it could be lights out for the rest of the competition. And the legendary James Stewart – himself one of the few to go unbeaten in 450MX – has also already raised the question.

From a championship perspective, it’s only Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda who has remained close through consistent finishes, as four-consecutive second-place results see him just 12 points from the points lead. The problem, however, is where the riders who were tipped to contend this year are after the opening two rounds.

Image: Octopi Media.

After a tough opener at Fox Raceway – which included an unfortunate second moto DNF due to a chain derailment – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen is now 48 markers off Deegan, which is effectively a whole event’s worth of points. Tied with Levi is two-time MX2 world champion and last year’s runner-up, Tom Vialle.

After a P3 overall finish at Pala, a horror round ensued at Hangtown, where the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider would post a DNF-8 scorecard and now faces the same deficit as Kitchen, with each tipped as title threats in the pre-season. Finally, what about Chance Hymas, who could be considered the third rider in this trio who were supposed to take it to Deegan?

Well, a bout of food poisoning in the week leading up to Hangtown meant that the Honda HRC Progressive rider was far from full strength, claiming a P13 finish in moto one, before electing to sit out the second race of the weekend. As a result, he now sits 55 points from the lead, and it would take a miracle for him to return to the title picture.

As for Deegan, he’s breezing away at the front of the pack currently, enjoying the suffer-fest that is Pro Motocross, with a smile on his face and a brand new Lamborghini in the garage to boot. Not even a sickness of his own could halt his momentum in the searing heat of Sacramento, delivering the double regardless.

Image: Octopi Media.

“I enjoy the outdoors a lot more,” added Deegan following the weekend. “That second moto, they told me they were making it shorter, so I was like, ‘I guess I’ll just go balls to the walls for 25 minutes.’ I knew I’d get a little tired, but not too tired, so that’s what I did. I think I got up to 10 or 11 seconds at one point, so that was pretty cool.”

The conversation is shifting to 2026, where Deegan is expected to meet Honda HRC Progressive’s Jett Lawrence in the 450MX category for the first time. It’s been long-awaited and much has been said about it, and to date in 2025 both of them have captured each overall in their respective classes.

Before all of that, though, we’ll see how this year’s title-race plays out. Holding all four moto wins, riding a wave of confidence, and having the mental edge on your rivals who are already a round down on points? It’s a good place to be. And maybe it’s so good that Deegan never lets off the gas, and actually achieves the elusive 22-0 tally, after all. Time will tell.