Three points and three rounds to go means the 2023 US 250 MX series is going down to the wire after a pivotal second moto swung the momentum in Haiden Deegan’s favour.
When Hunter Lawrence crashed trying to pass Deegan, Haiden flipped the switch and put in the two fastest laps of his life to pass Justin Cooper and pull away by four seconds in a lap and then extend it to eight seconds. In a flash, Deegan had went to another level as Lawrence nursed bruised ribs to the flag.
Deegan then stoked the flames saying Hunter has the pressure to win, and, as a rookie, Haiden doesn’t all the while getting the fans on his side by pointing out it was time an American was winning after a season that has been dominated by foreigners with Lawrence, Shimoda and Vialle all taking moto or overall wins this season.
But with six motos to go Deegan is there, and on a high, Lawrene has had two weeks to get healthy and think or ignore Deegan’s podium outbursts. It’s part of the drama and the next episode is Unadilla, a track you would think will suit Lawrence.
Hunter should win this based on experience and the pace throughout the season, he’s had bad luck and Deegan has really taken advantage, Washougal was a phenomenal ride. That confidence and speed he now knows he can produce under pressure give the rookie a shot. That might be all he needs…
And all the while Hunter’s brother Jett could clinch the 450 title this weekend in his rookies season – but can he continue the win streak an ever more determined Chase Sexton determined not to let it happen.
Don’t miss James Stewart talking to the Lawrence brothers here:
Article: Jonathan McCready
Image: Yamaha