Deegan Dominates at Washougal with Perfect Moto Score
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 250 team completes a stellar weekend celebrating 50 years of the YZ with a double overall podium and a 1-2-3 finish in Moto 2 / Jul 23, 2023 /
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan continues to impress, as the rookie took home his first 1-1 finish at yesterday’s Washougal National in Washougal, Washington. It was a masterclass performance from the 17-year-old, who gained 10 points in the hotly contested Pro Motocross 250MX title fight, moving to within three points of the leader. It was a stellar outing for the team as a whole and a fitting way to begin the year-long global celebration of 50 years of the YZ. Justin Cooper finished second overall (3-2), and Levi Kitchen completed a podium sweep for the team in Moto 2, earning a top- five overall result with an 8-3 score at his home race.
Deegan got the day off to a good start, qualifying third in the 250MX combined times, and then came out swinging in the first moto. After the gate drop, he grabbed the holeshot and set a blistering pace to remain unchallenged for his second career moto win. Although he didn’t repeat his holeshot in the second moto, he had a good start in the top five ahead of his championship rival. Just before the halfway mark, he picked up the pace and passed his teammate Kitchen. Then on Lap 13, he set the fastest lap of the race – a 2:15.502 – passing Cooper. The Californian rode on ahead to notch a 1-1 result, which marked his third moto victory and second overall win of the season. Deegan’s perfect score also made championship gains, moving him to within three points of the leader.
Cooper once again topped the timesheets in qualifying and got a great start in the first moto, slotting into the runner-up spot behind his teammate. The New Yorker was running a strong pace but ultimately was passed on Lap 12, crossing the line third for his eighth moto podium of the season. In the second moto, Cooper grabbed the holeshot and led for most of the race but was passed by Deegan, who was on a flying lap. He brought it home in the runner-up spot to secure second overall and make some championship gains as well. Cooper advanced to third in the point standings and will head to his home state when racing resumes looking to further close the 19-point gap to the leader
Although Kitchen struggled a little bit earlier in the day, qualifying 11th, he continued to make progress. In the first moto, he got a good start and quickly made his way to fourth. Kitchen was battling in the top five early in the race but unfortunately, had a technical issue around the halfway mark and was shuffled to eighth, where he would finish. He got an even better start in the second moto, slotting into second behind Cooper. Kitchen was riding a strong pace with his teammate in sight but ultimately was passed by Deegan. He then found himself under pressure from the series points leader, but the Washington State rider held off his advances to finish third and complete a Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing podium sweep. His 8-3 score earned fifth overall for a solid first outing in the pro ranks at the Washougal MX Park.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team heads back to the Farm in Cairo, Georgia, as the series goes on Summer break. The championship battle resumes on August 12 for Round 9 of the Pro Motocross Championship and the 26th round of the SuperMotocross World Championship at Unadilla MX in Justin Cooper’s home state of New York.
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager“It was an awesome day for our team in my home state of Washington! A 1-2-3 finish in Moto 2, and another box checked for Deegan with his first 1-1. I’m proud of him. He’s just clicking those firsts off the checklist and riding great. Justin once again was fastest in qualifying, got some great starts, and another second overall finish. Levi also had a great ride there in Moto 2 and brought it home in third. I’m so proud of our guys. The whole team has been working hard, and I couldn’t be happier. We’re going to keep fighting for this championship!”
Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing“Today was really good. I qualified third overall and got a good gate pick and a good spot on the line. The first start was unreal! I got the holeshot and won the moto straight up and led every lap, so that was good. In the second moto, I came out fourth with Hunter (Lawrence) right behind me, and I knew I was going to have to send it. I got going about halfway and really started going fast. I passed Levi and then passed Justin with about five laps to go and then picked up the pace to have a good lead at the end. It was a really good day with my first ever 1- 1. I’m trying to go back to remembering that it’s my rookie season and to just have fun and enjoy it this year; that’s been the goal.”
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing“It was a good day. I had two good starts and another second place. I got out front in the second moto and went for as long I could, but yeah, I was pretty much done once Haiden got by me, and I finished second. I think where we went wrong today was not enough food. I gave it my all but came up short. I have to give it to my teammate. He was riding awesome, and I don’t think I would`ve had anything for him anyway. We’ll try again in a couple of weeks.”
Levi Kitchen - Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing“The first moto was a bit of a struggle. I was in a dog fight for a while and then had an issue and went backward a little bit and ended up eighth. The second moto was better. I got off to a good start and pressured Justin for a while, and then I lost touch with him for a second. As soon as I lost touch with him, Haiden got around me, and then I had to fight Hunter (Lawrence) off for a while. I ended up third in that moto, which I was hoping for better, but I’m healthy, and I’m excited that I finally got to race Washougal. I was just a click off today, but it’s okay. We’ve got a break, so I’m going to do a little fishing and be ready for Unadilla!”
2023 Pro Motocross 250MX Washougal Resultshttp://www.americanmotocrossresults.com/xml/MX/events/M2340/M2F2PRESS.pdf
2023 Pro Motocross 250MX Results Championship Standingshttp://www.americanmotocrossresults.com/xml/MX/events/M2340/M2F2POINTSPOSITION.pdf
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