Ken Roczen has given his thoughts on Haiden Deegan’s performances in the 250 class this year and what it will be like for him in the 450 class, if he continues the smack talk when he moves up next year, as is the rumour.
Roczen, who has been in Deegan’s position with a lot of hype and expectation about moving up to the premier class, said:
“Am I surprised Haiden is as good as he is? No, because we have seen it in years past. So, to me it is just another season for him. Does he have a lot of pressure on him? Of course, because he has a big mouth, he likes to be vocal about what is going on and intimidating the other riders. I also think the other guys are not good enough and too inconsistent to be honest. He’s the Jett of the 250 class right now, not riding style-wise or smoothness-wise but when it comes to having the upper hand on the other guys he is just there, more consistent, the starts, less mistakes. I truly believe the other guys are not good enough or consistent enough to put up a fight on a weekly basis.”
Does Ken think Deegan’s domination and the smack talk will work in the 450 class?
“I don’t think so honestly. I don’t think anyone in the 450 class cares about that type of stuff, we have all been through it for multiple years. I just don’t think it phases anybody in the 450 class. The competition in the 450 class is stiffer and I don’t think anybody takes any sh*t if I am being honest. Is he going to be successful? Absolutely, but he does have a handful of riders on his level and harder to deal with.
“I also believe when you do get a bad start, it is not as easy to hammer to the front. I’m sure he has to deal with the attitude he has, a lot more from other rider as well in the 450 class. This is no smack talk, this is just my thoughts. I think the 450 class is more mature, nobody cares about that as much, for me it doesn’t work anymore. I could care less what people say but it is exciting to see what happens.
“It doesn’t matter how good you are on a 250. Most of the time, 90% of the time, there is a learning curve even when you come to the 450 class, it doesn’t matter if you are the best 250 rider. He might prove me wrong and does it like Jett, I can see that happening as well. But just because he is winning everything in the 250 class, it doesn’t translate to, ‘hey I am in the 450 class and I’m going to do the same thing right away.’ “
Get the full interview below including Roczen’s thoughts on Prado, when he hopes to return to racing and his thoughts on Deegan:
