Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan roared through the field in both motos at the opening round of the SuperMotocross World Championship Playoffs to sweep at Charlotte. It was Deegan’s second career SMX victory.

Both starts saw Deegan come through the opening lap around the mid pack. He made some quick moves forward in both motos and ultimately took the lead and pulled away from the pack. On a track that many riders echoed was difficult to pass on, it was a strong display for the reigning 250SMX champion.

A surprise second on the day came in the form of Red Bull KTM’s Julien Beaumer who led both motos. The first moto seemed destined to be a Beaumer victory as he pulled away, only to be reeled in and caught by Deegan. Still, his 2-4 scores were plenty to collect his first career podium.

Rounding out the box was Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen who had a much better second moto ride after a P5 in moto one. He too led some laps only to be passed by Deegan, but ultimately only lost five points on the day for what wasn’t quite Kitchen’s best form.

The top five consisted of title hopefuls Jo Shimoda and Tom Vialle, both of which had one bad moto on their tally. The speed wasn’t far off for either rider, but consistency will be key to stay in the title fight over the next two rounds.

Behind them, it was Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing teammates Jordon Smith and Max Anstie in sixth and seventh, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Cameron McAdoo in eighth, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire in ninth, and Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Garrett Marchbanks inside of the top 10.

Deegan now leads the championship by eight points over Levi Kitchen and 13 points over Tom Vialle heading into Texas next week.

Detailed Results