Haiden Deegan learns quickly – and knows exactly where he's still wasting time.
In the second race of the 450cc class, Haiden Deegan made it onto the podium. Despite this, he didn't sound like a rider who was already satisfied after the Hangtown National. While many observers are primarily focused on the results, the Yamaha rider is currently preoccupied with something else: trying to figure out how the top riders in the 450cc class win their races.
That's precisely why the laps behind Jett and Hunter Lawrence were almost as valuable to him as the podium.
The gap has narrowed.
Compared to the season opener in Pala, Deegan felt much more comfortable in Hangtown. One reason for this was his starts. He had already worked specifically on improving his gate starts during the week, and it paid off.
The rookie found himself in the leading group on several occasions and was able to keep pace with the favorites, at least for extended periods. "When I start at the front, I can see what the guys there are doing differently," Deegan explained. "That's the most important thing for me right now."
Especially in Formula 1, learning during the race is crucial. Instead of driving alone through the field, he can directly observe which lines the experienced drivers choose and how they structure their races.
Patience instead of brute force
It was striking that Deegan, despite his aggressive riding style, drove with relative control. The 20-year-old repeatedly mentioned not wanting to set his sights too high. The season is still long, and he wants to avoid putting himself under unnecessary pressure.
“It’s only my second race,” he said after the weekend. “I have to take it step by step.” This approach is surprising. After all, Deegan has been known for years as a driver who rarely holds back and doesn’t shy away from big names.
In Hangtown, however, he appeared much more strategic. Instead of putting all his eggs in one basket, he focused on gaining further experience and consistently scoring points.
The 450cc requires a different riding style.
Deegan is still learning on the motorcycle itself. After the race in Hangtown, he spoke about how the 450cc bike handles differently than the motorcycles he was used to. He said he still needs to get used to the higher weight and the power delivery, especially when jumping.
That didn't stop him from pulling off some spectacular maneuvers, though. After an overtaking maneuver in the second heat, even Deegan had to chuckle at his own riding style. "Sometimes I just throw the bike in sideways. The 450cc handles pretty cool like that."
The podium is no longer a surprise.
Just a few weeks ago, the discussion centered on how quickly Deegan would adapt to the 450cc class. After two race weekends, the question now seems to be when he can fight for his first overall victory.
The Yamaha rider himself avoids such discussions. Instead, he speaks almost exclusively about progress, starts, and race rhythm. This is precisely what makes his results so far remarkable.
Although Deegan repeatedly emphasizes that he is still learning, he is already in the middle of the top group of the strongest motocross series in the world.