I’ve been racing for a long time now, and over the years, I’ve seen a lot of talent come and go. But there’s something about Haiden Deegan that really stands out. I’m not one to throw compliments around lightly, but I can honestly say, this kid has got it.
I’ve been racing in the pro scene for a while, and you get to a point where you think you’ve seen everything — but Haiden makes me second-guess that. Every time I train with him, every time I watch him ride, I feel a little nervous. Not because I’m worried about him as a competitor in the moment, but because I know what he’s capable of. He’s got the kind of talent that could absolutely shake things up, and that scares me a little.
It’s crazy to think that I’ve got all these records and stats, but there’s a part of me that wonders how long I’ll hold onto them. Haiden’s coming up fast, and he’s not just good, he’s got a drive and a work ethic that most people don’t understand until they’re right there on the track with him. Watching him push himself, watching the way he rides — it makes you realize how quickly the landscape of this sport can change.
The kid’s got something special, man. There’s a fearlessness there. When we train together, I can see that hunger in his eyes. And it’s that hunger that makes me think: “Am I gonna be the one holding onto these records for much longer?” I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, not at all. It’s just the reality of this sport. If you don’t keep pushing, if you don’t stay hungry, you’ll get passed by. And I’m starting to feel like Haiden might be the guy to do it.
I’ve been doing this long enough to know that talent like his doesn’t come around every day. But it also takes a lot more than just natural ability to be successful. The mentality, the consistency, the physical and mental toughness — those are the things that separate the greats from the good. And I see all that in Haiden.
It’s wild, honestly. To see someone so young already at that level, it’s a bit intimidating. But in a good way. It’s a reminder that there’s always someone out there ready to take the mantle. And maybe Haiden’s the one to do it. He’s got the tools, and if he keeps his head on straight, he’s gonna be a force to be reckoned with.
So yeah, I get nervous sometimes training with him. Not because I’m worried he’s going to beat me today or tomorrow, but because I know that this sport is evolving, and if I’m not careful, I might just look back and realize that Haiden Deegan is the one who took my records. And I wouldn’t even be mad about it. The kid’s got it.
