Haiden Deegan, the 250SMX World Champion, has signed a multi-year contract with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing that will advance him into the premier 450 class starting in 2026, the team announced on August 7. Meanwhile, his sister Hailie Deegan is forging her own path, gaining experience in open-wheel racing following her departure from NASCAR.
Haiden Deegan’s Elevation to the 450 Class Confirmed by Yamaha Team
The 19-year-old Californian rider Haiden Deegan will conclude his time racing the YZ250F this year and transition full-time to the YZ450F platform next season, marking a major step in his motocross career. His progression will kick off with another run at the 250SX title during the upcoming Supercross season competing under the 450 team’s banner, before starting his rookie campaigns in both Pro Motocross and the SMX World Championship Final in the summer of 2026.
Having joined Yamaha’s amateur racing program in late 2021, Haiden has built an impressive record with multiple championships, including back-to-back 250SMX World Championships in 2023 and 2024. His 2024 season also saw him claim the Pro Motocross 250MX Championship and the 2025 250SX West title. Up to now, Deegan has accumulated seven 250SX victories, twelve 250MX overall wins, and three SMX victories, with the current season still underway and three rounds remaining.
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing reaffirmed their commitment to Deegan, highlighting that he remains under the same organizational umbrella where he began his amateur journey. 450 team manager Rich Simmons expressed optimism about the move:
“We’re looking forward to having Haiden on the 450 next summer and look to continue the success he’s had in the 250 class.”
—Rich Simmons, 450 Team Manager
Haiden Deegan himself voiced excitement about the next chapter:
“I am pumped to re-sign with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing. The plan will be to race the 250 in Supercross, and then make the move to the 450 class for Motocross and SMX. I’m grateful for the opportunity and more fired up than ever. Let’s keep grinding.”
—Haiden Deegan, Motocross Racer
Currently, Haiden leads the 250MX Championship by 45 points and holds a commanding 103-point advantage in the SMX Combined Points standings. As the 2025 season approaches its finale, there is potential for him to conclude his 250-class career at the top, providing a fitting end before stepping fully into the 450 division.
Hailie Deegan Advances in Open-Wheel Racing After Years in NASCAR
While Haiden prepares to move into the highest echelon of motocross, Hailie Deegan, at 24 years old, has been establishing herself in the open-wheel racing scene. After a substantial tenure across various NASCAR series, she debuted this year in the INDY NXT by Firestone competition with HMD Motorsports, signaling a notable shift in her racing career.
Hailie’s diverse background includes experience in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, ARCA Menards Series, as well as over 60 combined starts in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity Series. Her decision to transition into open-wheel racing was seen as both bold and unexpected, but has shown promising progress through steady development.
In her rookie INDY NXT season, Hailie currently ranks 17th with 156 points after ten races. Although she has yet to secure a top-10 finish, her adaptation to the new format is evident. Her best qualifying performance came at WWT Raceway, where she started in tenth position. The upcoming Grand Prix of Portland on August 8 represents her next significant challenge.
Although the results so far may not have garnered major headlines, the move to open-wheel racing is proving valuable. This shift allows Hailie to compete in a more technical series and provides relief from the intense scrutiny she faced in NASCAR‘s ladder system since her early career. Both Hailie and Haiden are embarking on new phases that align with their family’s motorsport legacy attributed to their father, freestyle motocross pioneer Brian Deegan.
Both Deegan Siblings Enter New Competitive Arenas in 2026
As Haiden prepares to launch his rookie year in the premier 450 motocross class, Hailie continues refining her skills in open-wheel competition, setting the stage for a pivotal 2026 season for both racers. Their distinct paths, one on dirt tracks with Yamaha and the other on road circuits with HMD Motorsports, reflect a wide spectrum of motorsport disciplines, underscoring their family’s versatile racing tradition.