Image: Octopi Media.

Despite a dramatic 250MX debut for Haiden Deegan, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider overcame multiple hurdles to complete the event at Ironman and understands what is required to land inside the top 10.

The 16-year-old made his highly anticipated first appearance in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship on Saturday in Crawfordsville and qualified P16.

Deegan improved to 12th in the opening lap of moto one but had no rear brake following an early incident in the race. He was able to ride around the issue and work his way to P11 before a heavy fall with four laps to go halted his charge.

Unfortunately for the YZ 250F rider, he went down in a multi-bike fall on the opening lap of moto two, leaving him a distant P39. Deegan continued the race and recovered to finish 24th, with his pace notably better than the result.

“It started off well in the first moto and I just tried to work through the pack a little bit, and I felt like I was riding super well,” said Deegan. “I lost my rear brake on the second lap, though, which was unfortunate, but I felt like I was flowing and could run the speed with those guys.

“I made a little rookie mistake trying to do a little double and went over the bars. That was it for the moto. I was a little banged up but lined up for the second moto and ended up getting taken out a little past the start.

“From there, I just tried to make my way back up through the pack. It was a big learning experience for me, and I know what I need to work on to get into the top 10.”

It is confirmed that Deegan will line up in 250MX at Fox Raceway for the final round of the 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship.