Christian Craig Returning to Star Yamaha? How this Could Shape Haiden Deegan's Move to 450s

[@vitalmx]

While this video was progressing, Eli Tomac 2025 news was confirmed. Learn more on this video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHvPamWHptVnhpYsi=H3hm8mX2DrlGnVUu

[@Proton-m4y]

Haiden has been working with Craig all season in the background. It’s clearly worked. Haiden’s technique alone has improved exponentially this past year. He has some of the best riding style out there right now. Star obviously wants to keep Haiden and after he’s won the outdoor title training the variety of ways he did… Christian will help give him the more focused coaching he wants I’m sure. Works out awesome for Christian as well since he coming to the end of his career. Excited to see how this pans out.

[@jhbozington]

Stacked video! Happy for CC. Star knows how to get results out of him, Husky picked him apart and broke him down, good move all around.

[@Rico-y1d]

That’s good on star he deserves that he won them a title himself and helped deegan a lot so it’s nice for them to take him and give him a pay day in his later years

[@HannumNeil]

Brilliant analyses. I really loved the deep take on this move that Christian made and why the Degan Family may have made that connection to be part of Hayden's circle of influence. The sport has changed so much from riders coming up the ranks and hoping to have success to a more strategical approach for their careers.

[@waynecaudle2204]

Brian will do anything to help Haiden up his game and Christian is that guy

[@jasong5321]

Im so happy this guy is getting a home for the next 2 years.

[@MTS930]

Fascinating hearing the breakdown of the 250 and 450 team structures

[@tommysmithii4723]

With the team structure I don't see Haiden on the 450 until 26.

[@jasong5321]

Hopefully not, right? His eagerness is admirable, buts a case of slow down to go faster​@tommysmithii4723

[@shaunbean5553]

@@tommysmithii4723get the sx title in 2025, defend the mx title in 2025, defend the sx title in 2026 and ride 450 outdoors

[@DUBYA-DUBYA]

Spot on but must admit that the Craig rumor didn’t make sense at all until you explained it that way. I always thought that star 250 and 450 were same same! Will be interesting. Just hope Haiden stays healthy and stays on the Yammy!!

[@Skippy168]

so well explained, I really appreciate your content and how you dumb it down for us and simplify things that are common knowledge for y'all.

[@donmiller2246]

Christian is being groomed for future team management he will be a great one

[@TransRights6969]

This is true, he don't have much of a choice considering his background.

[@lmtada]

Rather have Tomac as the team manager. True Champion.

[@AUSTIN_RIDES]

@@lmtadano way in hell Tomac wants to deal with 250 rookies he has enough money to fully retire

[@kimkristensen2816]

Happy to see the already great relationship between Craig and Haiden expanded, and for Craig creating another future within the Sport

[@sonic88boom]

his brother works for star. craig can do just about whatever he wants with star

[@noelgarvin7637]

I REALLY like what JS7 brings to the announcing booth, he brings experience, solid knowlege n isnt scared to tell itlikehe see'$ it👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💯 Also gotta give AC props,he's already doing a great job...

[@mjcharb4283]

Very entertaining. Brilliant insight and love the direction the 250 programs taking. Those 2025 Honda’s are very fast. Yamaha has their work cut out for them.

[@lisaharvey4373]

Great video great information, I agree with your thinking on Star and Craig all with Deegan in mind. It's rumor but I think your dead on correct with Star building Craig's bike to see how it competes with the factory bikes and yes gives them leverage when they present that to Yamaha, I agree it's all about Deegan and his move to 450 class and your right Deegans aren't looking to just be in the top 5 their in it to win a championship period! Keep up the great videos!

[@rickrossi4468]

Good job Michael. Thanks for the clatity!

[@Danolaboypits]

This makes a lot of sense bringing CC back to help build and develop a 450 for deegan. So it’ll give them 18 + months to get it all figured out.

[@brandondougherty7213]

Super happy for CC. The Husky destroyed his confidence. Hopefully he can get it back and be a solid 5 to 8 guy every weekend.

[@taylorshytle]

This is ABSOLUTELY TRUEEEEEE!! Rockstar Husky is where dreams go to die (minus Jason Anderson) in the 450.

[@E63s_Scott]

The husky ? Really I think it’s more 450 that has. Osborn and Hampshire had no issues.

[@taylorshytle]

@@E63s_Scottcorrect I said 450 👍🏽

[@brandondougherty7213]

@@E63s_Scott just my opinion here, I have owned a husky and liked it a lot. But it seems dudes that are smoother riders struggle with the Husky. And hammer head riders, Zack and RJ, are able to make it work. Swoll even recently said you have to ride it like that to make it work.

[@mekg2439]

why race being a 5 to 8 guy????win or quit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Michael-qv4et]

This was crazy intuitive thank u.

[@noelgarvin7637]

Well deserved opportunity for CraIg n I feel he will he will do a great job as a coach/mentor 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💯

[@shaunmanning1699]

Good for CC! Always like him and hope he becomes a top5 competitor.

[@FanofMoto]

In the 250s dude is much more than that, I remember watching him on the bike he took the championship and it was INSANE

[@SoleAddictions]

@@FanofMotothat was some of the best riding I have ever seen. Dude was brilliant on the 250. He actually started out the 450s good on Husky too until that crash. Unfortunate. But looking forward to seeing him back on a star bike!

[@johnmalone2389]

You are great, as is the analysis you have done and it is really the only justified explanation for why Star would hire CC28. If Deegan wants it, Bob will give it to hm, although they could share expenses with Brian. That's what the rumors say

[@Milokitty-en5nb]

What a dream role for the on his way out Christian Craig, very happy for him.

[@patogonzalez69]

Haiden and Brian loves that family and Haiden is Boss.. But hell be a manager soon

[@roryrenee3395]

This means more haiden and the Craig’s interactions and videos 🙏 my unhealthy obsession with seeing them all together and seeing the way haiden is with the kids always puts a smile on my face

[@Jb-mp1in]

So Christian will be a star racing 450 guy Nice I think he will do well Bobby Regan is not about the money he don't care to make it dime from the team he likes the family atmosphere and employing good quality people

[@torr-michaelbennetta9785]

I had a feeling CC may find a home back at Star. Glad to hear it. I wasn't on board with your Firepower hypothesis, ML.

[@casonlopez3860]

This is such a good take.

[@jeffwixon1828]

He looks much better on Yamaha,I think his whoop speed hasn’t been the same on husky

[@brandondougherty7213]

In 2026 Deegan’s will have their own semi with support from Yamaha and Monster. They will probably be connected to Star in some manner. CC28 will be the manager and Duff Life will be the crew chief. If Haiden keeps delivering I think he will have a program that hasn’t really been done yet.

[@Whowhatwhere99]

Just like what Mcgrath had with chaparral...Factory bikes but through chaparral in his own semi

[@Carpfishing4400]

I'm pretty sure Brian has already been asked this about starting up his own team. And he shut it down saying no. His work is technically now done. He's done the best he can for Haiden in getting him to a top pro team now, so he can take a bit more of a backseat now.

[@Realhighlife]

​@@Carpfishing4400deegan is gonna have his own rig it's been said already

[@Carpfishing4400]

@@Realhighlife by who? Having his own rig and own team are 2 different things.

[@brandondougherty7213]

@@Carpfishing4400 my guess would be is that Brian sees how much more money they can make to market Haiden on their own team. Instead of sharing finances with a big team.

[@chriscollins2647]

Great info and no B's love the channel thanks

[@devinwright131]

Good for Christian. Whatever happens with Deegan I'm just glad Craig will be given time to rebuild his body and see if he can't crack a few podiums by the end of it all.

[@danielwalter5268]

Craig coming back would be amazing.

[@jrader26]

Honestly makes sense. Haiden and the Craig family are very close

[@brandonfoley8070]

Wow the futures gonna be interesting

[@Tmoney423]

If Craig had his strength and a good bike/team he would be a top 5 every week. He showed his speed this weekend at red bud.

[@shutupgavin]

Christian Craig belongs with star

[@E63s_Scott]

Don’t you mean to 😂 they own him

[@Kyle-k4w]

He has done better on the husky

[@tonyramirez2057]

Hell ya! Bro is top 8 with 1 arm. A fully healthy CC will be good

[@lmtada]

Lol. On his best day he can’t make a podium. Plus he not 20 years old. He could race the Vet class, likely wouldn’t win.

[@tonyramirez2057]

@@lmtada neither can the other 36 guys out of the 42. Only 6 different guys have made a podium all year so I guess everyone should be privateers or retire. Craig atleast has an excuse with his messed up arm that you can visibly see has no muscle.

[@Demstaal]

Ok Craig’s Bike Built by the 250 Team so lesser Parts ! Still a Sweet deal ! The planets are aligned for him for sure !

[@brockwalseth]

Amazing contrast. I wasn’t aware of the Yamaha/Star 250/450 differences. Craig as a “catch me if you can Haiden” would be where I’d think the Deegan paycheck is coming from. But why would Yamaha not share everything to the 250 tent with a 450, or possibly a couple in the future when the average consumer sees the whole package as just Star Yamaha? 🧐

[@Will-lc1eq]

The program with deegan and Craig will definitely involve chad reed in some way

[@OwenLuedtke]

He’s busy with his kids and their path so I wouldn’t honk he would

[@Bodie2020]

@@OwenLuedtkethat’s why it’s gonna happen. Chad has ran teams Chad has a kid on way up. Deega brings the sponsors. Star is wrapped in it as well. I have some info but too early

[@denniswilder3014]

​@@Bodie2020chads oldest doesn't have the drive to think of purchasing a team.

[@SoleAddictions]

@@denniswilder3014Tate does . He’s coming into his own. So far he’s been shy and just wants to be told what to do. He’s coming into his own lately. His riding is amazing at the practice track, he just needs to figure out racing.

[@moto3463]

If Deegan trains with Chad he’s gonna be a beast on 450. He’s already shredding on a 250 and he reminds me of a similar Reed style.

[@xclife211]

I guarantee hadien indeed had a role in Christian coming back to start. Because haiden likes Christian and to make hiaden happy yeah theyll do anything.

[@_.momjeans_9219]

Stocked for Craig but the subpar results compared to ferrandis results and not signing him back is crazy

[@JamieJohnson-vg4dm]

Deegs and CC are good friends. Im sure if danger boy wants him back on the team he will get him back

[@denniswilder3014]

I believe deegan said he wants to defend every title.he said if he wins a 250 title he wants to defend a supercross title.

[@yukonjon5964]

it's just dumb to move up and risk not winning the 450 championships... may as well stay 250 and rack up as many big dollar chip wins in a row as possible till he points out. will look better once his career is over to see all those titles. not saying Haiden will win them as i'm not even a fan... but he sure could win every 250 chip he goes for.

[@Carpfishing4400]

Brian has never been one for rushing into things and moving Haiden up early. Never has since his 65cc days so they defo aren't going to start now he's in his pro career. It's just a dumb move! The kids 18! He's got years left ahead of him yet racing. He won't go onto a 450 until the 2026 Mx season starts at the earliest. And that's without any problems in the 250 class. Injuries etc

[@Simon-Simon-Simon]

looking to support CRAIG RECOVERY and do a multi role COME BACK STRONGER 2026 VERY COOL

[@raymondharold5973]

Christian is such great rider and coach his personality and Faith in JESUS Christ after proving himself Maybe 6 months or so they can boost his compensation package for the stud he will be. ❤❤🙏🗽🇺🇸🏁

[@Will-lc1eq]

Could be going to star just to be a test rider?

[@logank97]

He’s confirmed he’s racing next year

[@FernandoBoechat]

thank you

[@mhateys]

rooting for craig!

[@mrsamick24]

You forgot to mention that also Jeremy is Christian’s older brother

[@profutzer]

true but still probably the best move for the team long run..

[@vitalmx]

Correct! Older half brother.

[@TransRights6969]

@@vitalmx Blood is Blood.

[@725WS]

Also he’s married to Bobby’s daughter

[@Mason-fj5dh]

Wait what??? Jeremy Coker and Christian Craig are brothers???????

[@kendallas3705]

If Deegs gets through the whoops like Christian he will be hard to beat.

[@BuckC]

If you follow Paige Craig on everything, like any average moto fan, it's basically been assured that Christian is going to Star for months

[@Mark-g7s2c]

Sweet!😎💯🤙

[@coppertom1967]

Wondering if there is anything to the rumor of Deegan/Reed team up.

[@tankeater]

HD38 will race the East in 2025, then the West in 2026 with his move to 450 for MX... Been saying that for over a year now.

[@moto3463]

Christian needs to go back on Yamaha 100 percent.

[@johnjones231]

The dude has a great agent

[@louiswooley966]

His bro is the team manager

[@ratcamaro]

Is Craig going to race the 250 class again?🤔

[@rachelfandel8536]

I love these videos!! Thanks @vitalmx for doing them!!

[@JTBluey633]

If Deegan’s give CC money I don’t think it would be for salary but maybe extra money for his training side of things.

[@aus-rider]

This video makes a lot of sense, but there is one thing I can’t see happening, and that’s Yamaha giving Star control over the 450 program, I also heard Deegan May leave Yamaha as well as they won’t have as much say once he goes to the 450s due to it being being full factory control, time will tell.

[@shnboardman1]

Personally I think the reason he is going back is because of Deegan

[@wyatt5712]

The craig kids adore haiden and haiden and Christian are very close. Would be a great move for both yamaha and craig

[@ryanlester761]

Yeah good point. They're all pretty tight.

[@jasonmartin786]

Deegans whoops speed is going to be insane with Christians help

[@Alexwinter123]

Christian Craig Is one with yamaha, he’s had wayyy better results Outdoors on the Yz compared to the husky. It seems like it suits him and he really likes the YZ

[@KyleFitzgerald-r7j]

What does this mean for Justin Cooper?

[@johnkelly8570]

So the way I see it Christian's program training Haiden could be a full circle long term agreement. Jagger gets signed to the Amateur program in a couple of years is dominating super mini's at the ranch and moves to the 250 B class where Haiden starts to help with technique and raw speed and Jagger starts winning the SX Futures and MX Combine races at which point he starts doing the typical end of season pro nationals and starting the 2030 SX season goes full time 250 SX, MX, and SMX. By this point Haiden's won several 450 titles and begins helping Jagger grow his 250 career with Jagger eventually transitioning to the 450's under Haiden's guidance. Sorry ML but I scooped you on this one😂😂😂

[@brianjessop4601]

Brian has been a long time sponsor for Star before became the Yamaha factory and way before Haiden. Maybe Brian and Bobby joining forces when Haiden is ready for 450 and Christian ther in some capacity. Let's see the haters come out, here kitty kitty kitty!!

[@beaubivins8225]

I’d bet the farm there have been conversations with the deegans, star and Jeff Myzscak (former owner of geico honda and paige’s dad) about copying the honda blueprint.

[@cash3015]

If I am Monster/Ducati I approach Tomac or GasGas for their facilities then go after Craig and Deegan to be their riders. Craig is valuable asset when it comes to testing and the 2 of them have a good relationship. 2026 lines up when their contracts are done and the bike should have an adequate base from MXGP then.

[@staryotes]

No lol deegan will stay with yahama

[@cash3015]

@@staryotes Hell stay with Monster, Yamaha is up in the air.

[@staryotes]

@@cash3015 not really lol

[@ian.cognito.ian.cognito]

YES @michaellindsay NAILED THE (A+) REPORTING AGAIN!!!

[@townsendYXZ]

His brother is Coker don't forget that

[@jaksonandcourtney9091]

Christans is??

[@chasincreationz9364]

Half

[@denniswilder3014]

Thought brother inlaw. But could be wrong

[@jaksonandcourtney9091]

Ohh never knew that

[@joelwaititi9299]

@@denniswilder3014 Nah half brother. You'd never know looking at them

[@launchfiend]

Deegans paying Christian back for being an amazing human to finish his career and taking care of Haiden when he was first on Star. We all know he wouldn't have a ride on Yamaha if it wasn't for the deegans. I'm pretty sure they're paying part of his salary and it has to do with prepping the 450 for haidens climb.

[@joeylucio27]

So basically deegan has the team by the balls

[@jankie55]

I'm waiting to see what Ducati brings to the table. They are big players and might take a real stab at getting haiden

[@richardcarvalho4134]

Definitely seems like a possibility. But depends how good the bike is, how good the team is, and how the environment fits into what wants and needs to be a champ when the time comes.

[@jankie55]

@@richardcarvalho4134 i agree, but it comes with Monster, Thor, and some other of his already existing main sponsors. It's going to be interesting going into 2026

[@richardcarvalho4134]

@2216sammy probably not on a 250. But eventually, after going 450, if theres an option that ends up aligning with his needs better. All depends on lots of factors.

[@paynekizer2214]

Deegan could go anywhere he wants for 450s. Don’t see him going anywhere that doesn’t rep Monster. So he’ll probably be at Yamaha his whole career. Maybe Ducati in the future.

[@DUBYA-DUBYA]

DAMN Justin Cooper hit the hard asf.. Tough little son a bitch. Love the heart.

[@williamstevens3191]

They should keep all 450 rider in the Alpinstar gear

[@vitalmx]

They would have to pay the 450 riders so much to cancel out their personal gear deals. It would massively up the team's cost per rider.

[@zephity]

Austin Forkner going to Triumph is kind of random too. But I guess PC decided to move on and learned their lesson

[@MotocrossGuru-zf8pk]

monster energy rockstar yamaha🟦🤩

[@ste_v1983]

Brian could just buy into star. be part owner of the team!!! 😂

[@OwenLuedtke]

I don’t know why someone would leave alpine stars for new gear. I would never leave them

[@senkosirius9730]

Money

[@TOPG4NTV]

Deegan will either go to PC Kawasaki or Ducati in 2027!! IMO!! Imagine a Monster Energy Ducati??!!

[@ste_v1983]

I hope duffe stays with haiden on the 450 journey.

[@THE_JB222]

Deegan literally said he wants a supercross title in 250 at least before even thinking about goin 450.. so it doesn’t affect him at all…

[@dirtnap3886]

Degan is starting his own thing with Reed isn’t he?

[@lmtada]

I see Craig going home, and having more kids.

[@camronking7947]

Where you get the idea that harden is going to 450s? From what Brian just said, sounds like he’s staying on the 250 for a bit

[@doglover136_]

Haiden*** and 2026 is two years away, that’s two sx and mx and smx seasons away, he won’t go full time 450 until 27 i think

[@wyatt5712]

He never said he was going to 450s

[@ryanlorance6168]

What video did you watch? Smfh

[@doglover136_]

@@wyatt5712 most people will eventually, haiden wants to win supercross first though

[@slayer6936]

Craig and Haiden have been friends for a long time. If Craig goes to Star, it's because of Haiden. Deegs isn't moving up to the 450s until 26. Craig should have never left Star Yamaha. He was getting podiums in his last year there. He kinda screwed himself, moving down to an inferior team and bike.

[@kev22bmx]

Deegan is probably going to 450 in ´26, In that year, Tomac will be retired. So Deegan has that seat secured.

[@colliecollie6822]

I think Haiden wants a 250 SX title. He has come so close. Now, if he wins the 250SX title next year, I could see him going the way of Jett Lawrence and switching to a 450 for outdoors. He says he wants to win and defend, but I believe he wants to move up after he gets both a 250 SX and MX titles. Especially as close as he has come each year. The 250 class is absolutely a pro class, but from 5-8,10th place on down they are like A class riders. The potential for wrecking or injury is greater being on track with many of them in the 250 class. I just is. I think his best interest long term is to move up to the 450 as soon as possible. There are several 250 riders in their late twenties stuck looking for championships. The majority are up and coming youngsters. Haiden needs to get away from both of those groups. His current potential is greater than theirs, and honestly, dangers arise being on track with them.

[@flangmasterj]

*Affect

[@traveler142]

hard to believe that Star is keeping Dax... the kid is a bust.

[@FreeRkelly7374]

Deegans childhood best friend… he won’t go anywhere for while

[@duncan2290]

Didn’t know 450s aren’t actually star. They just operate under star

[@donworryboudat]

Deegans 450 debut won't be until 2026............

[@vitalmx]

We cover that in this video...watch it through.

[@donworryboudat]

​@@vitalmx just commenting it for all the dangergirls that keep saying he's moving up to 450 in January 😂

[@doglover136_]

@@donworryboudatreal fans/smart fans know he’s not moving up for two years

[@MikeyB9282]

He will prolly move up next summer after he wins the sx championship

[@donworryboudat]

@@doglover136_ your buddy legalize ranch is so delusional 😂

[@kristianconaghan1992]

Brian won’t let Hayden move up to 450 yet they want him to win a championship in the 250s first don’t they

[@denniswilder3014]

I see craig as a r@d guy for the team.honda has trey kawi has broc tickle.truimph has tedesco husky has josh hansen and will hahn is on some team i think gas gas.

[@MikeyB9282]

Dude is over the hill I can't believe Star is signing him again hahaha

[@HarisPilton8]

Clean your ears out and listen carefully.

[@ryanlorance6168]

It’s not hard to understand but you clowns just hear what you want to hear and don’t pay attention to jack shxt.. so it’s not surprising..

[@craigmccall7450]

Meanwhile, the DUCATI planet is beginning to orbit the entire industry.

[@JamesMartin-nx3wv]

I think Deegans gonna be with Ducati doing their own program

[@randyreynolds4252]

Deegs is not moving up till 2026, Tomac will be retired by then and Webb's future is spotty at best, this effects nothing, you know this but like everyone else got to use that clickbait.