Haiden Deegan is America’s big hope for the next generation of AMA MX/SX racing but he is taking on the best in the world with the Lawrence brothers, Jorge Prado and now Lucas Coenen joining the ranks in a preview of 2027 this weekend.
The hype coming into the season was all Deegan v Jett, but, although Deegan has been very competitive so far and is in the list of the four best riders in the series alongside Prado and the Lawrences, he still hasn’t found a way to win a moto and both times he was head-to-head with Jett it was the Aussie who got the best of Deegan.
Deegan wrote RIP Jett at Pala on his shirt but the Aussie has come back to life quickly and cocky Deegan is now a humble Deegan – but he isn’t giving up.
But now he has another rider, even younger than himself who has the raw pace and talent to contend for the podium and maybe even a win. 19 year old Lucas Coenen leads MXGP and has had some great battles with the legendary Herlings this season, but now he is getting his feet wet in the USA ahead of an expected full-time move in 2027.
With Coenen’s speed in MXGP and provided he can find that level on the US KTM… Could he win a US National before Deegan? The Belgian is down to race Colorado, Southwick and Ironman this season and obviously, all 11 races next season presuming he is in the US full time.
On natural talent he is on a level with Deegan – maybe even more talented? Coenen is a generational talent and, outdoors at least, it could be the Belgian versus the current big four in AMA motocross for the next few years (plus Chase Sexton if he can find his A game on a bike he gels with).
The first chance for Coenen to beat Deegan to an overall win is this weekend. Let’s see what happens but it will be a glimpse into the future with Deegan carrying all the US hopes for win and the rest of the world trying to stop him!
