With another 250SX West title already secured, attention has turned to Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan’s future, but first he is finishing out his Monster Energy Supercross season in class. In this Fast Thoughts, Deegan spoke to the media post-race in Denver about a number of topics.

Image: Octopi Media.

Testing the 450 between rounds…

Yeah, my focus has shifted a lot just because the championship is over. So, I’m not really chasing that anymore. It’s just straight 450, trying to get prepared because I’ve obviously had limited time on that thing. So I’m just grinding, trying to put all the time I can in on that bike, testing with the team, doing everything I can coming into that first round.

The long days prepping for 450MX…

Yeah, 100 percent. Some days aren’t fun for sure, especially those testing days, those long testing days, it gets rough, but I’m like, honestly, I got to learn to love it because if I want to be a champion in the 450 class, it’s what it takes. So yeah, the hard work will pay off.

Image: Octopi Media.

Running the 120 rear tire…

I ain’t got a clue about tires. Honestly, I was running whatever I was on. I don’t know how that works, but it worked. Pulled a nasty holeshot on it.

The reason behind still racing 250SX West…

I got a big old house I’m building, I need money, I got to come collect that bonus check – that’s why I’m here. I had to get one more win to bump myself up in this generation of records. We got it done.

Getting past the East-West shootout penalty…

It’s unfortunate. That’s it, though. We’re past it now.

Image: Octopi Media.

The feeling of winning after dominating…

Yeah, winning always feels good, no matter what. It definitely is a little different than that first win of the season compared to the eighth one. But it still hits, especially knowing there’s a nice paycheck. But I don’t know, it definitely doesn’t hit the same as the first one, but a win is always nice.

Final chapter of 250 racing in Salt Lake City…

Yeah, it’s pretty wild to think I’m only 20 and it’s over – the 250 class. I completed everything I ever wanted to and a whole lot more. I only wanted one championship, that’s all I cared about when I was a kid and we did a lot more – so I’m happy. I’m ready to get off the 250 and start putting in work on the 450, race wise, but it will be a sad day. It went quick.

That celebration after the finish…

Whenever I land, I’m like, ‘What am I going to do?’ I got to make a TikTok or something out of this, get some views – I’ve got to do something. This shit’s getting boring. Oh crap. I don’t mean to cuss, this crap’s getting boring, but whatever.