race recap
HAIDEN DEEGAN GRIT-227 250MX
July 19, 2023 · Haiden Deegan
HAIDEN DEEGAN | GRIT-227 | 250MX
The rookie had amassed quite the following on the professional circuit so far this year, and Haiden Deegan's fanbase would travel to the likes of Millville, Minnesota as well - where the Yamaha rider once again delivered on the brightest of stages. For practice, Deegan was incredible amongst the fastest of sections, showing his courage aboard the Yamaha engine which absolutely soared to some of the highest speeds imaginable. And that mantra would continue into the first moto, where he immediately contested for the lead while completing the first lap in second; just behind Kawasaki's Jo Shimoda, for a significant portion of laps. It would be on the sixth circuit, when Deegan would sway too far to the left of Mt. Martin; riding the ridge and nearly crashing, before diverting off track and being forced to depart to an outer lane (and missing the takeoff of the triple)! This would allow multiple riders to gain ground (and even pass him)! RJ Hampshire would be the one of the last of the veterans (alongside Hunter Lawrence and Justin Cooper) who took advantage of Deegan's mistake, eventually passing the red-plate holder and causing him to descend to the fifth-place position. It was then a race against time, but his mechanic and team would try to reiterate that composure was a must in this situation...and Deegan's true prowess was then showcased. He remained poised, and refused to be rattle amongst the chaos of the top 250cc riders from around the world engulfing him from every angle! He would eventually hold onto fifth, exiting the raceway while eager to battle in the second round, as well. His start for the second moto wasn't as strong as the opening race of the day, and Deegan was found in thirteenth while passing by the green flag. He would have difficulty amongst a strenuous battle with Austin Forkner, but managed to eventually pass the veteran along with Talon Hawkins, while seeking to overtake Maximus Vohland before the checkered flag. The KTM rider was flourishing as the final minutes of the moto would come to fruition though, keeping Deegan in pursuit until the referee would wave the checkered flag from atop the finish-line! And as all was settled in Minnesota, an eighth-place score in the final bout of the day would lead to a seventh-overall being obtained; and a steady sum of points gathered, prior to heading to Washougal.