There’s no denying that Haiden Deegan enjoys a rivalry, and High Point provided another example of exactly that. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450MX rookie claimed P3 overall at round four in his second Pro Motocross podium of the year, while also making headlines with his exchange involving Jett Lawrence. In this Debrief feature, Deegan reflects on both topics.

Image: Octopi Media.

Progressing in 450MX

Yeah, 100 percent. This was an amazing day for me and I feel like, slowly but surely, I’m closing the gap. Last week I was around 30 seconds behind Jett [Lawrence] in the second moto, and this race I was only about three seconds back in moto two. I’m getting a lot fitter, I’m catching on to what these guys are doing, and it’s really just a matter of time. It’s only my fourth race and this year is pretty much a building season for me. I’ve never raced a 450 at this level against guys like this before. As much as I want to go out there and win, it’s going to take time and I’ve got to be smart.

Adapting to the bigger bike

It’s strictly learning the power of it, learning where to shift it, and learning where it steps out here and there. It’s a heavy bike with a lot of power. A 250 is a lighter bike and you can kind of send that thing a little harder, whereas with the 450 you’ve got to respect it. It’s taking a little bit of time, but I’m getting it.

Image: Octopi Media.

Working on starts

Yeah, 100 percent. I feel like we’re getting better at them, so I don’t want to just go the negative route on starts. I got two good jumps. In the first moto, I came into the first turn in second and just slid a little bit in the mud and got buried. Then in the second moto, I felt like it was a good start as well. I got a little buried, but I was still around fifth or sixth position. I’m getting a little more consistent with that. I’d love a holeshot, so obviously you just go back to work and keep trying to dial them in. I’m still learning the power on the start. It’s a lot more power than a 250, so keeping that front end down is a big deal. All you can do is keep working towards it, but we’re getting better. We’re getting better.

Coming through the 450MX pack

I feel like the more experience I get and the better I’m getting, it’s not becoming such a big deal. It was a really big surprise battling with those guys up front, similar to my rookie 250 season. Once I got comfortable around them and comfortable passing those guys, it became easier for me. That’s really the big thing, just getting comfortable with those guys. Honestly, I wouldn’t say there’s much difference now. If you’re running from third through to sixth or seventh, it’s pretty similar to the 250 class. Those guys are going for it. Really, I’m just trying to close that gap to the front.

Image: Octopi Media.

Balancing consistency and hanging it out

I feel like those top guys, the top three, are a lot more consistent. That’s been the big thing for me – being consistent through the whole race, not blowing myself out and not making mistakes. I feel like I did a whole lot better at that this week, being consistent throughout the race and finding the right times to go for it. It’s just a matter of time.

The practice and qualifying moments with Jett

Yeah, I mean, I don’t know, dude. I just went by him, asked if he was okay and got flipped off. Whatever. I’m sure if they knew what I said, I’d probably get fined, but no, I’m just playing [laughs]. It was good. I love the banter, it gets me fired up. You guys could see that today – I was going for it. It gives me something to chase, and obviously Jett’s the guy. I don’t know how much longer he can use the ankle excuse. He’s gone 1-1 the last two weekends, so I think he’s good to go. Honestly, he’s riding good, Hunter’s riding good, and I think it’s just a matter of time before I can run with those guys.