It is the battle everyone wants to see in 2026, Haiden Deegan v Jett Lawrence, with very different riding styles but ultimately, similar mindsets – only winning matters!
Deegan is the more aggressive of the two riders, he has less precision but has the gift that Carmichael had, bveing able to ride on the edge and get away with it. That said, he is more technical and crafty than many people think but, he is taking on the rider that even the winningest GP rider in history, Jeffrey Herlings, says has no weaknesses, Jett Lawrence.
Jett has the Carmichael ability to win constantly and adapt to what it takes to do it, he doesn’t want to give anyone any hope either, but he does all that while riding like Stefan Everts, feet on the pegs and riding effortlessly, looking like he is not trying while still going faster than everyone else can and seemingly having more in reserve if he is challenged!
When you have the best qualities of arguably the two greatest ever, Everts and Carmichael, that is a hard combination to beat, and no-one has figured out how to beat Jett Lawrence consistently since he started winning. Deegan is the next man up to try and figure that condundrum out.
So what are their thoughts on facing each other? They were asked just that in the press conference, while sitting next to each other at Budds Creek.
Jett said: “Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. I’m always up for new challenges.I feel like when I get challenged where someone does come in really good, I feel like I ride better. It creates a new motivation for me. Obviously, no one wants to lose in this sport, so whenever I lose, I get pretty pissed.I want to come back and I work harder and make sure I have a good jump back the next race. I’m looking forward to it.
“Obviously, the fans want to create a rivalry where the closest in age, I would say, out of the other competitors.I think people are trying to create the RC, James Stewart kind of thing, which is cool. The sport needs a rivalry, and I think it’ll be good for the sport.”
Deegan replied: “Yeah, I’m excited.I’ve got a little work to do, obviously. Those guys are pretty not in the 450 class, so all I can do is work hard, and eventually, hopefully, be up there running with the boys. As of now, I’ve got a lot of work to do, whether it’s a lot or just go out there and put my days in, but we’ll get there.”
