LAKEWOOD, Colorado: Haiden Deegan crossed under the checkers in the fourth position in Moto 1 at Thunder Valley Motocross Park, but was penalized seven spots for continuously cutting the course.
Deegan implemented a line at the top of the track that was originally marked by boundary markers, but early in the race, those were pressed to the ground. Still visible, Deegan rode well to the left of those markers, which allowed him to close the distance on the leader Jett Lawrence.
“The rule book is pretty clear that the riders must remain on the marked course,” AMA Race Direct Mike Pelletier explained before Moto 2. “And even if those markers are knocked out, they have to stay on the original course. That’s how that rule reads. So every time they cut beside those markers, it’s actually a one position penalty every time they do that.”
The penalty dropped Deegan to 11th in the standings, calling into question his ability to score his second overall podium.
“There ain’t no markers, so it’s chill,” Deegan said while being interviewed for apparently finishing fourth. “Let’s catch them everywhere else too. Alright. We’ll see.”
Jorge Prado was penalized two positions for cutting the course, which dropped him to seventh, and Hunter Lawrence was docked one position, dropping him to fourth.
