Motocross legend Brian Deegan talks Temecula values, kids’ love of the sport

It turns out famed Freestyle Motocross rider Brian Deegan isn’t all that different from many of the young dads flocking to Temecula’s playing fields on the weekends.

The X Games gold medal winner is more than just a motocross-riding champion. He is a proud dad to three children – Hailie, 11, Haiden, 6, and two-year-old Hudson – each of whom are embracing their old man’s need for speed and matching his will to win.

“Hailie was racing carts when she was six years old. And Haiden was riding a bike without training wheels when he was two and a dirt bike at three years old,” Deegan said.

Hailie has had several trips to the podium this year in the LOORRS Jr. Kart series. Haiden is winning races in his age group and the one above in the Jr. Motocross series.

And little Hudson is already showing the same love for riding, managing his own bike without training wheels.

Deegan said that Hailie and Haiden are still young enough to listen to their dad and understand the significance of his own competitive feats.

“They have watched me compete and see that I win. Dirt bikes have been my life,” he said.

Deegan admits that watching his children grow into the sport he has loved can be worrisome, but also exhilarating.

“It makes me nervous when they crash. And when they win, it makes (me) so proud. It’s a lot cooler seeing your kids win,” Deegan said, hardly mentioning his own stellar career that has seen him dominate in Motocross, Freestyle Motocross, Rally Car and Short Course Trucks.

Motocross legend Brian Deegan, joined by daughter Hailie (l) and wife Marissa. (Courtesy photo)

For Deegan and his wife Marissa, the children’s accolades are special. But, more important is the time spent as a family.

“Growing up in Nebraska, I came away with a certain set of values. And I feel like we have that here in Temecula. It’s the same feeling of values here. As a family, we race together. We eat together. We go to church together,” Deegan said.

Deegan continues to expand his reach in the Motocross community through several business ventures as well, including the launch of his own action sports shoe line – Deegan 38 Series – for adults and kids, alike.

Deegan will be signing autographs for fans at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Coyne Powersports, located at 2301 West Ramsey St. in Banning.

To learn more, visit www.briandeegan.com.

Kerri S. Mabee can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com. Follow me on Twitter @kerrimabee.