In the aftermath of Ken Roczen’s latest DNF (Did Not Finish) at the 2024 AMA Motocross Nationals, Haiden Deegan didn’t hold back in expressing his frustration over Roczen’s performance and attitude. The up-and-coming star, who has been making waves in the 250 class, took aim at Roczen’s recent struggles and described his approach as “unprofessional,” especially given his status as one of the most experienced riders in the sport.
“At this level, there’s no excuse for not finishing races. Ken has the talent, he’s shown it in the past, but it’s just becoming frustrating to see him quit out of races. It’s unprofessional,” Deegan said during a post-race interview. “When you’re at the top of the sport, you’re expected to be able to handle the ups and downs. For someone like Ken, who’s been around for so long, it’s disappointing to see him walking away from races when things aren’t going perfectly.”
Roczen’s recent performance at the Nationals has raised a lot of eyebrows. While he’s certainly one of the most talented riders in the history of the sport, his continued DNFs have sparked speculation about his commitment and mentality. Roczen, who has battled through numerous injuries in recent years, has faced challenges that have kept him from finding the same consistency that once made him a title contender. However, Deegan believes that a rider of Roczen’s caliber should still be able to push through the tough times.
“I get it, racing is tough, and injuries are part of the game. But at this point in his career, Ken should be pushing through those struggles,” Deegan continued. “It’s about finishing races, making the best of the situation. You can’t just give up when things aren’t perfect.”
For Deegan, this attitude is not just about the on-track results, but also about the example it sets for younger riders. The 19-year-old, known for his aggressive riding style and no-quit mentality, emphasized that the sport requires more than just talent—it requires mental toughness and consistency.
“As a young rider, I look at the guys who’ve been in the game a long time like Ken, and you expect them to be the ones who lead by example,” Deegan said. “You can’t just pack it in because a race isn’t going your way. If you want to be a champion, you have to ride through the pain and keep going. That’s how you earn respect, and that’s what I expect from all the top guys.”
Deegan’s comments come after Roczen’s third DNF in the last five rounds of the Nationals, raising concerns about his long-term future in the sport. Many fans have questioned whether Roczen’s heart is still fully in racing, especially after dealing with multiple injuries that have kept him out of competition for extended periods.
“Roczen has been through a lot, and I respect what he’s done for the sport, but the way he’s handling these DNFs is just not acceptable at this level,” Deegan continued. “You can’t just quit when things get tough. It’s about pushing yourself, even when your body or the bike isn’t perfect.”
Although Deegan’s words might be seen as harsh by some, there’s no denying the younger rider’s commitment to his own development and the future of the sport. Deegan has quickly risen through the ranks in the 250 class and already has a reputation for his fierce racing style and relentless work ethic, traits he feels are essential to becoming a true champion.
“I’m not trying to disrespect Ken or any of the older guys,” Deegan clarified. “But if you’re going to be out there racing at this level, you have to give it everything you’ve got. That’s what I’m doing, and that’s what I expect from everyone else.”
While Deegan has certainly made a name for himself with his raw talent, his words are a reflection of the intense competitiveness that drives him—and his belief that the mental game is just as important as the physical. Whether or not Roczen takes Deegan’s criticism to heart remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that the younger generation, led by riders like Haiden Deegan, is ready to take the reins in the sport.
As the Nationals continue, all eyes will be on Roczen to see how he responds to the mounting pressure, both from the competition and from critics like Deegan. One thing is certain—if he wants to return to form, he’ll have to prove that he can weather the storm, both physically and mentally. And for Deegan, that’s just part of what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
