In the world of motocross, where competition runs deep and the pressure to perform is relentless, having a mentor can make all the difference. For Haiden Deegan, one of the brightest young stars in the sport, that mentor has been none other than Eli Tomac. The 18-year-old rider has quickly become a force in the 250 class, and much of his rapid rise can be attributed to the invaluable advice and mentorship he’s received from Tomac, a veteran who’s dominated motocross and supercross for over a decade.
“I’m really grateful for Eli’s guidance,” Deegan said in a recent interview. “He’s been a huge help to me, not just with riding, but with the mental side of the sport as well. It’s rare to have someone with his level of experience take the time to help me out, and I honestly don’t take that for granted.”
Tomac, who has seen it all in his storied career, has made it clear that he sees a lot of potential in Deegan. From the beginning, he’s offered the young rider advice on everything from technique and strategy to managing the pressure that comes with being a rising star. “I’ve been through so many ups and downs in my career,” Tomac explained. “If I can help Haiden avoid some of the mistakes I made early on, I’m more than happy to do that.”
Deegan’s rapid ascent in the sport is a testament to his natural talent, but also to his willingness to learn. Despite his success, he’s never been one to shy away from advice or constructive criticism. “I think that’s one of the things that’s helped me the most,” Deegan said. “Eli’s always been real with me, and he’s not afraid to point out where I can improve. That’s what you need when you want to take it to the next level — someone who can give you an honest perspective.”
One of the key pieces of advice that Tomac has shared with Deegan is the importance of staying mentally strong in a sport where one mistake can completely change the outcome of a race. “Motocross is as much a mental game as it is physical,” Tomac said. “Haiden’s already got the physical skills, but I’ve tried to help him with the mental side — how to stay calm when things don’t go your way and how to bounce back quickly after a tough race.”
For Deegan, the mental side of racing is just as important as the physical training. “Eli’s helped me a lot with staying focused,” he said. “It’s easy to get caught up in the highs and lows of the season, but he’s taught me how to keep my emotions in check and focus on the long-term goals. That’s been huge for me.”
Beyond racing tips, Tomac has also served as a role model for Deegan when it comes to work ethic and professionalism. Tomac’s longevity in the sport is a result of not only his talent but his ability to stay disciplined and stay healthy over the years. “Eli’s been doing this for so long, and he’s still as hungry as ever,” Deegan said. “That’s something I admire. He’s shown me how important it is to put in the work every single day, even when you’re on top. You can’t take anything for granted.”
In addition to their time on the track, Tomac and Deegan have spent hours off the bike discussing everything from race strategy to what it takes to be a true champion. For Deegan, these conversations have been crucial in shaping his approach to racing. “It’s not just about the bike or the races — it’s about building the right mindset, the right habits, and the right attitude,” Deegan said. “Eli’s been a mentor in every sense of the word. He’s taught me what it means to be a professional, both on and off the track.”
As Deegan continues to make his mark in the 250 class, he’s quick to acknowledge that Tomac’s mentorship has played a key role in his development. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now without Eli’s help,” Deegan said. “He’s helped me avoid a lot of pitfalls and has been there to guide me through tough times. I’ve learned so much from him, and I’m thankful for that every day.”
For Tomac, seeing the growth and success of De
