22-year-old Chinese US young Star will Replce Him for this season as motocross star Haiden Deegan has been SUSPENDED for this season Till next year. This is Because….

 

BREAKING: Haiden Deegan Suspended for the Season; Chinese-American Rising Star Leo Han to Replace Him.

 

June 7, 2025 – San Bernardino, CA

 

In a shocking and unprecedented turn of events, motocross prodigy Haiden Deegan has been suspended for the remainder of the 2025 season, with his suspension extending into the early stages of the 2026 campaign.

 

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced the disciplinary action late Friday, citing multiple rule violations involving conduct detrimental to the sport and alleged technical infractions.

 

 

Stepping into the vacant seat at Star Racing Yamaha is 22-year-old Chinese-American rider Leo Han, a breakout talent who now becomes the first Chinese-American to sign a full-time contract with a premier U.S. motocross team. His promotion marks a historic milestone for diversity in motorsports and injects new energy into the team during an already turbulent season.

 

The Deegan Decision: A Fall from Grace

Haiden Deegan, 19, is one of the most popular and polarizing figures in modern motocross. Son of freestyle legend Brian Deegan, Haiden exploded onto the scene in recent years with an aggressive riding style, social media charisma, and multiple podium finishes that made him a fan favorite.

 

But that momentum came crashing down this week when the AMA concluded an investigation into multiple alleged violations stemming from incidents at the Thunder Valley and Hangtown Nationals.

 

According to officials, the investigation uncovered two major infractions:

1. Unapproved Engine Modifications – Independent testing revealed the use of non-homologated engine components, giving Deegan’s Yamaha bike an unfair performance advantage.
2. Unsportsmanlike Conduct – Deegan was reportedly involved in several heated altercations with fellow riders and team officials, including a post-race confrontation that escalated into physical contact.

 

The AMA’s official statement read:

“After a thorough review, the AMA has determined that Mr. Haiden Deegan violated competition regulations and code of conduct standards. He will be suspended from professional motocross competition through January 31, 2026.”

 

Neither Deegan nor his management team has publicly commented on the ruling, though a brief social media post by his father, Brian Deegan, read, “Disappointed but not defeated. We’ll be back stronger.”

 

Leo Han Steps Into the Spotlight

 

With Deegan out, Star Racing Yamaha made swift moves to shore up their roster. On Saturday morning, the team officially announced the signing of Leo Han, a 22-year-old Chinese-American motocross phenom from Riverside, California, who has been competing in regional AMA Pro events and serving as a development rider under the Yamaha umbrella.

 

Han, whose family immigrated from Guangzhou, China, when he was a child, has been quietly rising through the amateur and semi-pro ranks, winning accolades for his technical skill, race IQ, and poised riding style. In 2024, he was awarded the AMA “Breakthrough Rider of the Year” for the 250cc class.

 

 

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Han in his introductory press conference. “To join Star Racing Yamaha and represent not only my team but also the Asian-American community in motocross is an incredible honor. I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got.

 

Team manager Jeremy Coker praised Han’s readiness and professionalism, stating, “Leo has impressed us from the start. He’s a grounded, hard-working rider with serious potential. We know this is a big jump, but we believe he’s ready for the spotlight.”

 

Industry Reactions

The suspension of Deegan — one of the sport’s most marketable names — has drawn mixed reactions across the motocross community.

 

Former AMA champion and analyst Ryan Villopoto weighed in during a Saturday broadcast, saying, “It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans, but rules are rules. If you cross the line, you pay the price. Deegan is young — he’ll bounce back.”

 

On the other hand, Leo Han’s rise is being widely celebrated as a symbol of progress in a sport historically lacking in cultural diversity.

 

“This is more than a replacement,” said ESPN Motorsports journalist Angela Wu. “It’s representation. Young riders of all backgrounds now see that there’s a path to the top. That’s powerful.”

 

What’s Next

Han is expected to make his full-time debut next weekend at the High Point National in Pennsylvania, where all eyes will be on his performance in the ultra-competitive 250cc class. Meanwhile,

 

 

Deegan’s future remains uncertain. While insiders believe he’ll return in 2026, the suspension may impact his sponsorship relationships and long-term trajectory.

 

For now, the motocross world watches as one star sits out and another rises — a dramatic changing of the guard in one of motorsport’s most unpredictable seasons in years.