Haiden Deegan is on a mission in the 2024 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX), having dominated the 250 division by winning all four motos in the first two rounds. However, as he heads into Round 3 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he faces a critical challenge: the unique points structure of the SMX. With double points awarded in the previous round and triple points up for grabs this weekend, Deegan’s championship aspirations hinge on his performance against rival Tom Vialle.
In a recent press conference, Deegan remained confident, stating, “I’m not worried about it. The goal is to just go win. Just do the same thing that I’ve done the last two weeks.” Yet, the reality of his recent races tells a different story. Despite his victories, Deegan struggled with starts at zMax Dragway, which forced him to battle through the pack. “A rider can go to that well only so often,” noted third-place contender Levi Kitchen, who emphasized the need for Deegan to secure better starts, similar to his performance at Charlotte.
The points structure of the SMX keeps competitors on their toes, with Deegan acknowledging its impact: “I’ve won every moto and still, if Tom wins, I still have to get third to win the championship. It’s crazy how that format works.” This pressure can be both a burden and a motivator. Deegan thrives under challenges, believing that overcoming adversity helps him excel.
The integration of Monster Energy Supercross and Pro Motocross formats has created a dynamic racing environment. With the two-moto, Olympic-style format from motocross combined with supercross’s shorter race times, riders have less opportunity to recover from poor starts. Deegan reflected on his experience at Charlotte: “It did distill something in my head where it doesn’t matter if I get the start. I can still win.” However, he recognizes that making it easier on himself through better starts could significantly improve his chances.
As the defending champion of the 250 SMX division, Deegan carries a weight of expectations. Last year, he won the overall championship but did not claim a single moto victory, a fact that motivates him to change that narrative this season. “It’s a good goal to try and sweep a series,” he remarked, understanding the significance of securing both the championship and individual race wins.
In the lead-up to the Las Vegas finale, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Deegan’s determination to perform at his best is evident, with his sights set not only on defending his title but also on achieving a clean sweep of moto victories. His competitors, including Kitchen, are aware that a strong start will be crucial, especially against the backdrop of a thrilling championship battle.
As Deegan prepares for the final round, his focus remains singular: to win. If he can harness the lessons learned from his recent races, coupled with the intensity of the SMX format, he stands a strong chance of claiming both the title and the respect that comes with it. The Las Vegas showdown promises to be an exciting conclusion to a season filled with fierce competition and high stakes.
