Eli Tomac has been a dominant figure in the motocross world for over a decade, with countless championships and accolades under his belt. But even as one of the sport’s most accomplished riders, the veteran has been quick to acknowledge the rising stars of the sport, especially Haiden Deegan, the 18-year-old phenom who’s already making waves in the motocross and supercross scene.
Tomac, who has seen it all in the world of racing, recently shared his thoughts on Deegan’s potential and what he sees in the young rider. “I have so much respect for what Haiden is doing,” Tomac said. “He’s an incredible talent, and his work ethic is something that really stands out to me. It’s rare to see someone so young, with that kind of drive, already making a name for themselves at this level.”
Haiden Deegan, who has been closely followed by fans and industry insiders alike, comes from a legacy of motocross excellence. His father, Brian Deegan, is a motocross legend in his own right, having transitioned from a career in freestyle motocross to a successful racing and business career. Haiden, however, is carving out his own identity on the track, and Tomac has noticed the maturity and skill he’s been displaying, especially for someone just starting to step into the limelight.
One of the things that stands out to Tomac is Haiden’s ability to handle the pressure. “A lot of guys, when they’re young and starting out, feel the weight of expectations,” Tomac explained. “But Haiden seems to have this calm about him. He’s able to focus on the task at hand without letting everything else distract him. That’s something that comes with experience, but it’s impressive to see someone his age already so comfortable in that environment.”
Deegan has proven himself time and again in the amateur ranks, but his transition to professional racing has only accelerated his rise. In his rookie season in the 250 class, Haiden has already posted several top-five finishes in both Supercross and motocross, impressing fans and industry veterans alike. For Tomac, seeing this kind of rapid progression in someone so young is both exciting and reassuring for the future of the sport.
“I think Haiden is a huge asset to the sport,” Tomac continued. “The way he races, his confidence, and the way he handles himself off the track — all of it is something that fans can really latch onto. He’s going to be a great ambassador for motocross and supercross in the years to come. He’s already a star, and I can’t wait to see how he continues to evolve.”
Though Tomac is still in the thick of his own career, with several more years of racing ahead of him, the recognition he’s given Deegan shows a deep respect for the future of the sport. It’s not just about racing ability, Tomac believes, but also about how a rider carries themselves. “We all start out young, but it’s the ones who can keep their head on straight and keep pushing forward who make it to the top,” he said. “And Haiden has that mindset.”
For Deegan, hearing the praise from a legend like Eli Tomac is not only validating but also motivating. While he’s always had the support of his family and team, knowing that someone like Tomac sees something special in him adds to his drive to continue pushing boundaries.
“I’ve looked up to Eli for as long as I can remember,” Deegan admitted in a recent interview. “He’s one of the best to ever do it, and for him to say those things about me… it means a lot. I’m just trying to keep my head down and keep working, but I definitely take that kind of praise to heart. It just fuels me to keep getting better.”
As Haiden Deegan continues to make strides in his career, Eli Tomac’s endorsement and support are bound to be a source of confidence for the young rider. Tomac has seen the ups and downs of a career in motocross, and his belief in Haiden Deegan’s talent only highlights the immense potential Deegan has in the sport.
Motocross fans are undoubtedly excited to see what the future holds for both Tomac and Deegan. While Eli may be nearing the twilight of his career, Haiden is just getting started — and with Tomac’s seal of approval, the torch could soon be passed to the next generation of stars, with Deegan right at the forefront.
