Ricky Carmichael Speaks on Haiden Deegan vs. Jett Lawrence Rivalry: “They Haven’t Even Raced Each Other Yet”

Motocross legend Ricky Carmichael recently weighed in on the much-hyped rivalry between Haiden Deegan and Jett Lawrence, urging fans to pump the brakes on the narrative. Speaking on the growing buzz surrounding the two young riders, Carmichael reminded everyone that, despite the excitement, the two have yet to actually compete head-to-head in a professional race.

“There’s no doubt both guys are incredibly talented, and the fans want to see them go at it,” Carmichael said. “But let’s be real—they haven’t even raced each other yet.”

The excitement stems from the rapid rise of both riders. Jett Lawrence has already established himself as a dominant force in the 450 class, winning championships and proving his skill on the track. Meanwhile, Haiden Deegan, a rising star in the 250 class, has quickly built a strong fanbase with his aggressive riding style and confident persona.

Carmichael, widely regarded as one of the greatest motocross riders of all time, knows firsthand what true rivalries look like. He pointed out that real rivalries are forged on the track through battles, not just social media hype or fan speculation.

“People are always looking for the next big rivalry,” Carmichael continued. “But for it to be a real rivalry, they’ve got to be racing in the same class, going bar-to-bar, and pushing each other to the limit.”

That moment may not be far off. With Deegan’s progression, it’s only a matter of time before he steps up to the 450 class, where Lawrence currently reigns. When that happens, fans will finally get to see if the hype translates into an actual on-track showdown.

Until then, Carmichael advises everyone to enjoy watching both riders develop and let the competition unfold naturally. “When the time comes, they’ll settle it on the track. That’s where real rivalries are born.”