Slaw Dog
Troy Dog joined the bLU cRU and you should too! Have you seen the new 2025 Monster Energy Racing editions? Go look right now! It’s amazing. Yamaha also supports T-Dog Squad ELITE Athlete Marshal Weltin. Purchase a Yamaha today and shred like him, Eli Tomac, Cooper Webb, 250 Pro Motocross and two-time 250SMX Champion Haiden Deegan, plus more!
Haiden Deegan is a lightning rod on the track and off. Open any comment section and there will be haters and fans of the out-spoken 18-year-old. Son of FMX icon, co-founder of Metal Mulisha and a former Supercross race winner in his own right, Brain Deegan, Haiden has lived in the spotlight from a young age. It’s where he seems to thrive.
A far cry from the likes of the more mild-mannered Ryan Dungey or Eli Tomac, Deegan, similar to his Star Racing 450 running mate Cooper Webb in his early days, thrives on playing “mind games” with his fellow competitors. In a recent sit down featured in the SuperMotocross Preview show, Deegan talked about his now infamous podium speeches.
“Honestly, I feel like why not? Every other sport guys are talking crap. In football, UFC, these guys are going at it to get in each other’s heads. As much as the other riders want to say it doesn’t do anything, it really does, because I have beat you multiple times now.”
While his accolades on the track—2023 Supercross and Pro Motocross Rookie of the Year, two-time SuperMotocross World Champion and 250 Pro Motocross Champion—have brought him a certain amount of attention, its away from the track where the spotlight has shone brightest on the young star. His social media and popular YouTube vlogs, while casting the sport to a new sub-set of fans, have also brought negative attention. Something Deegan says he’s doesn’t mind.
“I actually don’t mind people hating me at all,” he said. “I’m like, if you guys don’t like me, that is perfectly fine, I am not going to try and change your mind because I feed off that energy as well. A few of the riders, I am in their heads so bad, I get behind them and you instantly see them make a mistake.”
Love him or hate him, you can’t take away the fact that Deegan is a star on the track as well. Those around the industry have spoken of a relentless work ethic and dedication. And while his aggressive riding style may seem like he’s “out of control” Deegan says its where he is comfortable.
“I just work hard and ride my dirt bike and people think, ‘this dude is going to have a big one soon.’ Not really, though, because this is comfortable to me, this is how I ride. I feel completely safe turning it up.”
Heading into the Monster Energy Supercross 250SX West Region opener at Anaheim 1, Jan 11, Deegan is the heavy favorite to capture his first career Supercross title. Whether he wins the title or not, there will certainly be headlines either way.
Main image: Yamaha
