After a fine from the AMA and some heated exchanges in Birmingham with other riders, Haiden Deegan says he is trying to live less in the future and focus on the present in a bid to stay calm at the races.
The fast, determined and aggressive teenager said in the press conference:
“I saw a quote, ‘You’re focusing too much on the future and what you want in the future. I had to settle back and realize I’m living my dream right now. As a kid, I dreamed of racing supercross and getting on podiums.
I literally had a Cameron McAdoo jersey on my wall! From back when he was on Honda. (laughs) Just something a lot of people wouldn’t know! So, it’s a dream of mine to be in this position in the first place. I was just looking too far into the future, and it was catching up to me.
That’s why you see some of the emotions come out. And also injuries, you know? A lot of heart goes into this sport and when stuff bites you like that, the emotions get the best of you. I’m growing up, I’m learning, and I’ve just got to build.”
And the new attitude seems to be working already. There was no negative emotion when he went down in the third moto despite an overall win being on the line and a title. Deegan methodically but quickly worked his way back to seventh to save a podium and live to fight another day.
We know he has the speed and, as he gets over his wrist injury and the crash from Daytona, Deegan might just be able to balance that speed and ambition better going forward, and that could be a big problem for everyone else.
Article: Jonathan McCready
Image: Feld Entertainment Inc.
