Haiden Deegan Dominance Continues in Denver
Deegan’s victory secures a record-breaking season win total for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing / May 5, 2026 /
With the 250SX Western Division returning to action at Empower Field at Mile High, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan picked up right where he left off – winning. His seventh victory of the season also secured a record-breaking 15th 250SX win for Yamaha and the team – the most by any manufacturer or team in a single season.
Adding to the standout night were a pair of heat race wins and all three riders finishing inside the top five, with Max Anstie fourth and Kayden Minear fifth in his Monster Energy AMA Supercross pro debut.
“Honestly, it was a big night for us,” said Wil Hahn, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 250 Team General Manager. “It’s nice to get another win with Haiden, but breaking the record tonight for manufacturer wins and team wins was really cool. And with Minear showing up for his first pro supercross race, and having all three guys in the top five – we're stoked.”
It was another perfect day for Deegan. He earned his seventh fastest qualifier honor of the season, then went on to claim his eighth heat race win of the year. After getting a solid start, he took over the lead on Lap 2 and built a comfortable gap to kick off the night show with a victory. In the main event, he narrowly missed the holeshot but quickly took control, claiming the lead and riding away to earn his 14th-career 250SX win.
“Today was solid,” said Deegan. “I qualified first, P1 in the heat, and then the main event was solid. Another perfect day, which is pretty nice. I got a good start, which makes the race a lot easier, especially here, where it’s going to be really hard to pass. It’s really one-lined and hard-packed. So, I'm glad I was able to get a good start and bring her on home.”
After qualifying fourth, Anstie got a strong start in the first heat race, slotting into second before taking the lead on Lap 2. From there, he went unchallenged to earn his second heat race win of the season.
In the main event, Anstie grabbed the holeshot but was passed shortly after by Deegan and shuffled back to fourth. After briefly losing another position, he regrouped and reclaimed fourth a couple laps later, maintaining a strong pace to finish there. Anstie heads into the season finale third in the 250SX West standings, just seven points shy of second.
“It was a decent night,” said Anstie. “I ended up fourth in the main and got the win in my heat. I’m looking forward to the final round in Salt Lake next weekend.”
Minear’s pro debut was a roller coaster from start to finish. The young Australian was eighth after the start of his heat race and worked his way up to fourth, holding the position for much of the race. However, in the closing moments, he was pushed wide and did not cross the finish line jump at the checkered flag, and was credited with a 12th-place finish, requiring a trip to the LCQ.
In the LCQ, Minear showed resilience. After a crash in the sand while pushing toward the front, he quickly regrouped and charged back to finish second and transfer to the main event. Despite that less-than-ideal gate pick, he got a good start to the main event in 11th and quickly made his way through to sixth by Lap 3. Breaking into the top five with five laps remaining, Minear went on to secure a fifth-place finish.
“I made my pro debut in Denver this weekend, and wow, what a roller coaster of emotions,” said Minear. “Having to go through the LCQ because of an unfortunate incident in the heat race, and then the main event went really well. I felt like I proved what I was capable of doing.”
Next up is the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season finale and East-West Showdown at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah, on May 9. With both 250SX titles already secured by Deegan and Cole Davies, the stage is set for a final showdown and bragging rights between East and West.