A rain-soaked track threw an added challenge into the opening round of the 2026 SMX playoffs in Ohio, but Haiden Deegan was able to rise to the occasion with a commanding 1-1 performance to claim his first 450SMX victory. In this Debrief feature, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider reflects on a breakthrough premier class win and continuing his progression on board the YZ450F.

Validation with first 450 win

Oh yeah, for sure. I feel like the trend in my career is kind of slow, but steady, and it really paid off, right? Even though it was a mud race today, we’re still going against the best guys to ever do it, especially a lot of guys heading towards the end of their careers, too. So, we’re getting a lot of 450 champions that I’m able to battle and learn from, and definitely some weight off the shoulders. It was really nice to get it done.

Sending it in the mud

Yeah, it was pretty wild. I mean, you kind of just send it, really. Yeah, I mean, if there are ruts up the lip, you just kind of pray and really have to be strong. I feel like that’s partially why I was able to get it done today, just my strength. I was able to manhandle that bike around, and although it didn’t sound like it or sometimes look like it, I was able to run my gear up, be strong around the track, keep it on two wheels all day and just consistently hit everything around the track, even though we were just doubling. Lappers were a little bit wild, so it was a little bit difficult to get through at points, but I knew if I could get through them fast, someone else had to go through them behind me. So, yeah.

Image: Octopi Media.

Haters saying it was because of the mud

I mean, yeah, if you’re saying haters are saying that, it’s like I should have been a guy in 10th place then because I’ve got the least experience out of those guys. So, they’ve got it a little backwards. But, yeah, for some reason I’m a Cali kid that can ride mud. So, ripped two good starts today. Jorge [Prado] obviously came in a little hot in that right-hander, got sprayed with mud, but I was able to make quick passes.

Starts getting better

Yeah, definitely reps help a lot, getting used to that bike. It’s heavier, faster. My body’s growing into it. I’m still growing muscle-wise, so we’re trying to get stronger there, but it’s really just a time thing and, you know, being consistent with it and letting it come. You know, I don’t want to rush anything. Day by day, and I know what the future holds if I’m smart and keep taking these races round by round. I’ve proven it in the 250 class. I never missed a race and I ended up winning six championships. So, obviously you want to come out there and light the world on fire and win your first race or win within the first 10 races, but sometimes that ain’t going to happen. So, you take it slow and steady and eventually get to the point where you’re winning.