Deegan: "It’s high-stakes racing, and it’s hard to really explain what that’s like without being in that situation."
Following a second moto with repeated attacks on title-rival Jo Shimoda, the AMA assessed Haiden Deegan a five-point penalty in the final Supermotocross World Championship standings. Deegan already received a written warning for his bump on teammate Cole Davies during a battle for the lead at the Denver Supercross. As per the AMA rulebook, the next violation incurs a five-point penalty and a fine. Deegan's penalty drops him from fourth to fifth in the final SMX standings.
Deegan also broke his collarbone during his final takedown of Shimoda in moto two.
“I gave it everything I had to win the championship," said Deegan in a Yamaha press release. "This new format of racing in SMX makes for an intense grand finale. I always give 110%. It’s high-stakes racing, and it’s hard to really explain what that’s like without being in that situation. Props to Jo (Shimoda) on the championship. He put up a helluva fight.
“I have made it to every single gate drop since I started racing pro. Last night finally bit me as I cracked my collarbone. I am getting it fixed and will be back to work to come back stronger than ever.”
The penalty flips fellow Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider Nate Thrasher up to fourth in the final SMX standings. Thrasher battled back to 5-4 finishes for fourth overall in the Las Vegas race, as well
“I kind of struggled all day with setup," said Thrasher. "I think I made changes every time we went out on track, so to end up fourth tonight, we’ll take it. I got terrible starts, but I just dug deep. The first moto I was way back and ended up fifth, and then was fourth in Moto 2. In these last two rounds, my intensity has been there, and I was kind of back to my old self. I’ve got a lot of momentum going into next year, and I’m looking to carry that into it. I feel like I’m in the best spot that I’ve been in a long time. It’s time to fight for the supercross championship, whatever coast I’m racing.”
