Image: Octopi Media.

A two-position penalty was applied to Haiden Deegan post-race in Birmingham, capping off what was a wild night of competition for the 250SX East title prospect from the outset.

Deegan was penalized by AMA officials for gaining an ‘advantage off-track’ in the main event, which came after a bad start and average track position had him buried deep in the pack on the opening lap.

The polarizing 18-year-old completed the opening lap in 13th position and eventually climbed to seventh following a dramatic last turn pass that saw him make heavy contact with heat race one winner Coty Schock (Muc-Off FXR ClubMX Yamaha), but was later docked two places to be credited ninth following an extended delay in the final results being produced.

Deegan later indicated that ’emotions got the best’ of him in round four of the eastern region, on a night that saw previous red plate-holder Max Anstie (Fire Power Honda) exit the race with a mechanical fault. Instead, Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle made it two wins in a row to take charge at the top of the points table.

Earlier, Deegan was involved in a puzzling exchange with Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) after the pair came together off the start of their heat race, both going down at speed and sending them to the LCQ. The former’s frustration at that point was evident, going on to approach the Pro Circuit team pit afterward, only to be quickly brushed off.

As a result of last night’s drama, defending 250SMX (SuperMotocross) champion Deegan now sits fourth in the standings, but is still only 12 points shy of Vialle. The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider has gone 16-1-4-9 across the opening rounds of the season, his maiden – and lone – Monster Energy Supercross victory arriving in Arlington.