Eli Tomac has witnessed the rise of many young riders throughout his illustrious career, but the 2024 season has seen him speak out in particular about one: Haiden Deegan. The 18-year-old prodigy, who has taken the motocross world by storm, has caught the attention of veterans like Tomac, who believes that Deegan could be the next dominant force in the sport.
“I haven’t seen someone like Haiden in a long time,” Tomac said in a recent interview. “The way he rides, the way he handles pressure, and the way he’s already competing at the top level… It’s rare to see someone that young with that much maturity and skill. He’s definitely the next big thing in motocross.”
For Tomac, who has had a front-row seat to the evolution of the sport, this is high praise. Tomac himself has been a dominant figure in motocross and supercross for over a decade, securing multiple championships and setting records along the way. But even with all his success, he’s noticed something unique in Haiden Deegan that sets him apart from others.
Tomac was particularly impressed with Deegan’s performance during his rookie season in the 250 class. Despite the fierce competition, Deegan quickly adapted to the professional level, posting several top-five finishes and showcasing his ability to race under pressure. “It’s one thing to show talent, but Haiden has that racecraft and consistency that a lot of young riders struggle to find,” Tomac said. “He doesn’t just have speed — he knows how to put himself in a position to win, and he’s got the mindset of someone who’s been doing this for years.”
What sets Deegan apart, according to Tomac, is his ability to stay calm in the heat of the moment. Motocross can be a brutal sport, where one mistake can cost a rider valuable positions or even races. But Haiden seems unfazed by the pressure that often comes with the spotlight. “He’s able to handle all the external noise — the hype, the expectations, everything that comes with being a Deegan,” Tomac said. “I know it’s not easy to be in that position, but Haiden has a mature outlook on it all. It’s clear he’s not letting that stuff affect his performance.”
This ability to stay focused has been key to Deegan’s quick rise in the sport. While many riders take years to find their footing at the professional level, Deegan has already proven that he’s capable of competing with the best of them. The son of freestyle motocross legend Brian Deegan, Haiden has had motocross in his blood since birth, but it’s his relentless dedication to the sport that has earned him respect from riders like Tomac.
“I think the Deegan family has always had a competitive edge, but Haiden is different,” Tomac explained. “He’s not just riding off the reputation of his dad. He’s putting in the work, and it shows on the track. That’s something that’s going to carry him far.”
For Haiden, hearing praise from a rider as accomplished as Tomac is not just flattering — it’s motivating. “Eli is one of my idols,” Deegan said, reflecting on Tomac’s comments. “He’s done so much for the sport, and to hear him say I’m the next big thing means a lot. But it also pushes me to work even harder. I know that the expectations are only going to get higher, but I’m ready for it.”
Deegan has quickly become a fan favorite, not just for his skill on the bike, but for his cool, collected demeanor and his determination to improve. And with Tomac’s seal of approval, it seems that Deegan’s future in motocross is incredibly bright. As Tomac sees it, the future of the sport is in good hands.
“I’ve seen a lot of young riders come and go, but Haiden has something special,” Tomac said. “He’s got the right mindset, the right skills, and the work ethic. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’s going to be a force in this sport for a long time.”
While Tomac is still at the top of his game, with several more years of racing to go, it’s clear that the baton is being passed to a new generation — one that includes Haiden Deegan. Fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for the young rider, and with Tomac’s endorsement, it seems that Deegan is well on his way to becoming the next big thing in motoc
