Do you sign Deegan to contract extension?

I was under the belief his contract with star was basically an audition ride. At this point though, that kid better be locked up. Stay with Star at least through 250’s

right now, hes still under his AM to Pro contract.

However if i was them, id be working to re-sign him. you cant let a guy like that walk away.

Especially because his presence alone is worth so much to teams/sponsors because of his following.

He’s guaranteed 2 years out of amateurs. 

Honda’s HRC team is most likely going away when the Lawrences both are on 450s. Not sure if a new team is going to form to take on the 250 program or if it’ll be handed off to an existing satellite team. 

Lock him up ! ( contract wise ) . That kid is riding great . Great style and it’s seems he has his nose to the grindstone doing the work . 

I’d imagine in started this year. 

Honda has no plans of getting rid of the 250 program, they have 2 more years with Hymas. 

Lots of Degan hate too I see.

Yes, and I'd do it today.  He has exceeded my expectations.  And I don't get the attitude that preceded him in rumor.  Seems like a solid focused kid.

I've really started liking him more since he's gone pro. Maybe even a fan now. I'd say he and star are mutually beneficial for eachother and the deal will probably roll on. 

He left KTM to ride for STAR.  His relationship with his team and mechanics are top knock. I don't see him leaving for a long time.

Deegan isn’t going anywhere. I think him and his family know that Star is the best place to be for him to reach his large goals. 

I don't see him leaving for atleast 4 years. Maybe ride his entire career there.

Generational talent!

Really? Where? In the post you quoted? Oh wait...

There was a lot before he turned pro, and some last year after his nationals appearance, but the overwhelming majority recognizes his ability now. Let it go. 

Maybe so, but Star will need to pay up handsomely.  Deegan brings a lot of value in advertising and publicity and the Deegan family knows that.  Kids' gonna make some $$. 

This Helps us narrow down his actual contract-  knowing this is likely completely wrong  (given Vitals track record)..

Regardless I am sure Star and the Deegan’s are looking longer term contract.

Yep, I’m always wrong, so….. 

I see this as a win-win for all involved. Watching the videos he seems to fit in well at Star, obviously the bike is incredible, and it doesn't SEEM like the Deegan presence is a distraction. I particularly like how stoked his mechanic is on everything, seems like he's a big brother figure maybe?

Who knows where the ceiling is, but it's going to be fun to watch regardless. 

Better question is why wouldn’t you sign him long term?  Because if you don’t someone else will.  He’s had good results so far, has (mostly) kept it on 2 wheels and seems to be riding smart.  Put aside whatever you think of his social media presence and it’s a no-brainer based on race results. 

"...why wouldn’t you sign him long term?"

Because great results early isn't always an indication of how things will go. 

See AC, Forkner, ...

Let him mature, get experience, and then reassess when his contract is about to expire. 

When he does sign an extension, it's gonna be big $$$. His social media presence is third party marketing for the team, brand, etc. He's got over a million people specifically subscribed to HIS brand. To put it into perspective, for a brand plug on a video for a 1m+ sub channel it's around $10,000. For a sponsored video it's around $50-70k. If he's on your team, your getting in all the videos, merch, etc.

At Daytona on TV, you could hear the crowd roaring for Deegan when he came by.. louder than for anyone else on the track including the leaders. 

Fair point, Mav.  It’s always a bit of a gamble to sign anyone early but I think he’s worth the risk. Someone is going to sign him and I’d rather look back on a rider who won a bunch of races and no championships (like AC or Forkner) than risk watching him win for someone else.  

Hard to put his social media presence aside when it's the main factor when pulling in a big money contract. 

This is very true. 

Look at guys like Thrasher who came out and won 2 SX races his first year but hasn't even came close to a podium in outdoors. Such a wild string of results from him. Wins a SX each year but has some of these crazy mediocre results sprinkled in everywhere. 

Same with Hammaker. 3 races into his career he wins. Hasn't done a whole lot since then. 

AC goes 1, 2, 1, 2, 1 to start his SX career. Would have been hard to believe in that moment he would have 0 SX titles to this day. 

He's got 2 years left on his contract and IMO he would be doing himself a favor by not signing a long term deal tomorrow. 

He gets to mature, gain experience, possibly win a championship next year, which would increase his value more than what he's shown thus far. 

Honda, Kawi, etc. could make him a big offer, and he then gets to tell Star Yamaha this is what X company is willing to pay me. Are you able to match it? 

For example, if he goes to Honda which have proven they have a great bike not only does he get to keep Monster as a personal sponsor, but he also gets to do his own gear deal. That's big money. 

He is in such a unique situation I don't see OEM salary/bonus being the driving force in his team decisions.  I could see the Deegans starting their own team eventually, and until then Haiden will stay with whoever has the best equipment and that is Star.

KTM must be spewing at the moment….