Haiden Deegan debuts in 250s at Houston, Justin Cooper graduates to 450 class for Star Yamaha
Supercross Deegan Cooper
Rising star Haiden Deegan will make his Monster Energy Supercross debut in Houston, Texas with Yamaha Star Racing while 2021 250 West champion Justin Cooper will move up to 450s.
Deegan, the son of motocross and off-road legend Brian Deegan and brother of NASCAR Truck Series racer Hailie Deegan, made two starts in the outdoor Pro Motocross season last year. He finished 31st overall at the Ironman Nationals in Crawfordsville, Indiana and 13th at Fox Raceway during the season finale at Fox Raceway in Pala, Calif., but the overall results don’t necessarily reflect how well he raced. In both events he challenged the top 10 for parts of the week and actually finished 10th in one of the Pala motos.
Last week, Haiden finished fifth in the Supercross 250 Futures at Anaheim 2.
“We are really excited to start the season on the East Coast,” Monster Energy team manager Jensen Hendler said in a press release. “It’s also exciting to have Haiden join our pro program this season and Justin making his 450 debut. The guys have been working hard and can’t wait to see what they can do this weekend in Houston.”
After scoring a 250SX Futures podium, Talon Hawkins gets a 250 East race.
Deegan will join Nate Thrasher and Jordon Smith in the 250 East division this week.
Cooper enters the 450 class this weekend. Under Supercross rules, after winning the 2021 championship, he had one season to defend his title and then would be required to move up a class. Cooper missed all of last year through injury.
Cooper was in good health when the outdoor season started and he earned five podium finishes and nine top five finishes in 12 rounds. Three of those races ended with runners-up, in Hangtown, Rancho Cordova, Calif., Washougal, Washington and Unadilla, New York.
Cooper joins Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis in the 450 class and will race select events.
Justin Cooper has learned to temper aggression with speed
Cooper’s attempt in Houston will be the first of an undisclosed number of races he will enter during the 2023 season.
The story continues
“It’s been about two years since I’ve lined up for a supercross, and now it’s in a new class with the top guys, so I’m excited to go,” Cooper said. “I’m looking to get back into the spotlight and learn what I can. All in all, I’m really excited to be in a position to be there, so I’m going to make the most of it and enjoy it!”
Deegan and Cooper will be part of a lineup of seven Supercross riders for Yamaha Star Racing. Nick Romano will debut in the 250 East division later this year.
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Supercross: Haiden Deegan makes 250 debut at Houston, Justin Cooper moves to 450 class for Star Yamaha originally appeared on NBCSports.com