No pressure experience invaluable for 2026 preparation.
Ten-time Pro Motocross champion Ricky Carmichael is ‘in support’ of a 450MX transfer for runaway 250 Class leader Haiden Deegan as soon as the final round of this season if he can clinch the 2025 title early, valuing the no-pressure opportunity to learn ahead of a full-time switch outdoors in 2026.
Widely expected to contest 250SX next year before graduating to the premier class, Deegan’s domination in his 250MX title defense so far – which has led to a sizable 58-point lead five rounds in – is the primary driver for Carmichael train of thought.
With expectations mounting on the 19-year-old’s shoulders as somebody who may be able to challenge current 450MX red plate-holder Jett Lawrence (Honda HRC Progressive) in the future, a one-off entry in the final round of this current season would give Deegan real-world information to take into next year.
“I think that everything Haiden is doing right now, whether it’s preparation during the week or at the races, you’re prepping yourself for next year,” commented Carmichael, speaking on his Title 24 Podcast alongside Ryan Villopoto.
“Race simulations during the week, you need to be doing 20 minutes [for Supercross], not 15 [minutes] plus one lap, and everything that you’re doing, you’re assuming you’re on the 450. I think if he wrapped it up early, I would be in support of him stepping up with zero expectations – that’s the biggest thing.
“Do you want to go out there, win, and kick Jett’s ass? Of course, but he can’t injure himself. It would give him an idea of the race pace, what it’s like, and it’s just real. I think one race would be enough to get a lay of the land, so he’s not going into the 450 Pro Motocross Championship next year blind.”
The five-time Monster Energy Supercross champion Carmichael also expressed that stepping up to the premier class on the opposite coast during the indoor season could prove beneficial, to the point that it is something that he would have incorporated during his illustrious career.
“One of the things I would have done differently is, I would have raced the premier class on the opposite coast in Supercross,” he added.
After claiming a first-career 250MX title with a round to spare last year, Deegan naturally opted to defend for 2025 with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. He’s been the class of the field again this season, already holding more than a full race weekend’s worth of points over second place in the standings.