Ryan Nitzen | February 2, 2023
Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha announced this morning that both Haiden Deegan and Justin Cooper will make their Supercross debuts this weekend at the Houston Supercross. Deegan will make his first professional start after competing in the Anaheim Two Supercross Futures program while Cooper will make his first appearance in the 450SX class. Deegan joins Star Racing teammates Nate Thrasher and Jordon Smith, with Cooper lining up next to 450 stars Dylan Ferrandis and Eli Tomac. Nate Romano, the team’s other 250 rider is sitting out due to injury. Yamaha’s official press release can be read below.
Haiden Deegan is set to make his pro debut this weekend is Houston. Photo: Yamaha
Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Haiden Deegan will make his Monster Energy AMA Supercross professional debut this Saturday, February 4, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. 2021 250SX West Champion Justin Cooper will also line up for his premier class debut aboard the all-new YZ450F at the fourth round of the 17-round Monster Energy AMA Supercross season and 31-round SuperMotocross World Championship series.
Deegan joins Nate Thrasher and Jordon Smith for the opening round of the 250SX East Championship. The trio looks to campaign for top honors and keep the team’s championship-winning streak rolling with the potent YZ250F. The young Nick Romano continues to prepare for his season start in the Eastern Regional 250SX class, and an update on his debut will come at a later date.
Cooper is eager to return to supercross racing and will line up behind the gate in Houston for the first of select 450SX rounds in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Later this May, the New Yorker will shift gears back to the YZ250F to make a title run in the AMA Pro Motocross 250MX Championship.
Justin Cooper will make his first 450SX start. Photo: Yamaha
Jensen Hendler – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager
“We’re really excited to get the season on the East Coast started. It’s also exciting to have Haiden move up to join our pro program this season and to have Justin make his debut on the 450. The guys have been working hard and are looking forward to seeing what they can do this weekend in Houston.”
Haiden Deegan – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’m really looking forward to making my pro debut in supercross. It’s going to be a big learning experience for me, and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Haiden Deegan.
Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“It’s been about two years since I’ve lined up for a supercross, and now it’s in a new class with the best guys, so I’m excited to just get out there. I’m looking to get back under the lights and learn what I can. Overall, I’m just really excited to be in the position to be out there, so I’m going to make the most of it and enjoy it!”
Justin Cooper.
Nate Thrasher – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’ve had a strong off-season. The team and I have been working hard on and off the bike. I am looking forward to being back racing on the East Coast and seeing the fans!”
Nate Thrasher #29
Jordon Smith – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing
“I’m really excited to get out on the track racing this weekend in Houston. I joined the team and started training back in the summer of last year, and I have been very eager to get racing for the last few months. The wait is finally over, and I’m excited to show what I can do on this new bike!”
Jordon Smith #58
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