You know, I usually try to keep things respectful in this sport, but I’m getting pretty tired of the constant back-and-forth from Haiden Deegan. I saw his comments about me, and let me tell you something, it’s not just disrespectful—it’s flat-out annoying. He thinks just because he’s young, he can talk all this trash without earning it. Well, let me make something clear: You’ve got to show me some, kid. You don’t just come in and start running your mouth without backing it up.
I’ve been racing in this sport for over a decade. I’ve been through the highs, the lows, the crashes, the surgeries, the comebacks. I’ve earned my spot at the top. And for some kid—who’s barely out of his teens—to throw out comments like that? Nah. That doesn’t sit well with me. I’ve heard the “I’m coming for you, Ken” talk for years now, but where’s the proof? You wanna talk about how you’re gonna beat me, how you’re gonna take over? Fine, but that’s not how it works. You don’t just show up and claim a title. You’ve got to put in the work, prove you belong in the conversation, and then maybe—just maybe—you’ll earn the right to talk like that.
I’m all about the competition, and I’m all about pushing the sport forward. But I’m not here to be some stepping stone for some kid trying to get his name in the headlines. That’s not how it goes. If you want to challenge me, if you want to go head-to-head with the best, you’d better come with everything you’ve got. And I mean everything. Because talking big is easy, but backing it up? That’s the hard part.
You want to keep running your mouth about me being old news? About me being out of my prime? That’s fine, I’ve heard it all before. But when we line up at the gate, I’m not interested in your Instagram followers, your family name, or your hype. I’m interested in what you can do when the lights are on and the gate drops.
You wanna be the guy? Then show me. I don’t need to hear more words. I need to see it on the track. You want to pass me? Earn it. You want to be better than me? Prove it. I’m not going to sit here and just let some rookie run his mouth without backing it up with results.
So, Haiden, when the time comes, and you’re lined up next to me, you’d better be ready. It’s one thing to talk trash; it’s another thing to stand in the gate with someone who’s fought for everything in this sport. I’ve got nothing to prove to you or anyone else, but if you want to make it personal, that’s fine by me. When we race, we’ll see who really deserves to be at the top. So, step up, or shut up. You’ve got to show me some.
