Haiden Deegan: Character building

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Character is built through adversity and controversy. Characters are created when they capture the hearts and minds of the crowd. Haiden Deegan, 18, is well on his way to realizing both definitions of the word.

Sitting 15 points out of the lead in the 250 East division, Deegan needs help in the form of trouble for Tom Vialle to win the championship, but anyone who watched both points’ leaders crash heavily in the most recent East / West Showdown in Nashville, Tennessee knows that is a possibility.

Whether Deegan claims a Supercross title this year is not of primary concern. Deegan is making a name for himself in the sport by riding well and being the type of character his fans expect: feisty and fast.

“At this stage, second year in, it’s still a learning season,” Deegan told NBC Sports. “The top guys, they didn’t come out their second year and dominate. Some do, some don’t. I’m not those guys. The first year, I took the [SMX] title off, got podiums in Supercross and this year is a step in the right direction. I’ve had wins. That was a goal of mine in Supercross and I was able to do that