Monster Energy Interview: Deacon Denno

Blasting out of the great state of Texas and into Loretta’s folklore forever comes the story of Monster Energy’s Deacon Denno.

With seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against the young Husqvarna flyer (See: broken femur in March), Denno had one of the more amazing comeback stories of the year at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur Motocross Championship when he battled back from snapping the biggest bone in his body, having it surgically put back together, and somehow/someway rallied – post op - to win the coveted Supermini 1 title at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn.

From his rocket ship starts to brilliant race strategy, at times in absolute slop conditions, Denno just flat out rode tough. Make that Texas Tough in winning his first title at Loretta’s after three overall podiums since 2018 on 65s & 85s.

We caught up with Deacon from his home and got his take on this past week’s racing at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur Motocross Championship, his history at the track and what it was like to return back to Texas as a Loretta Lynn’s National Champion.

So you’ve been racing Loretta’s since 2018. From 65s to 85s and now the Supermini 1 class. Let’s start out by discussing your Road to Loretta’s this year. What District and Regional events did you race, how’d you do at those events, and what are some of the other things (training, practice, etc.) you worked on throughout the spring and summer to get ready for the August classic?

Well, my Road to Loretta’s was not ideal this year. I actually broke my femur in March while racing Spring a Ding. We were all a little unsure where that would leave me for Loretta’s, but I knew that I would do whatever I needed to do to try and come back as strong as possible. So as soon as I was able to, I was back in the gym about two weeks post op from surgery, working on what I could and from there I was just determined. I still had to hit an area qualifier, so I waited till one of the last ones, and was able to roll around and get those in, so I could attend the Regional at Ponca. I was able to get released at ten weeks post op, which now from what I am hearing is a little crazy, but I had never broken a femur, so I was just working every possible aspect of my recovery so that I could race my regional. With about a week and half on the bike, I went to Ponca and went 6-for-6 in moto wins in both Supermini 1 and 2 and brought home both regional championships. This fueled my fire for my summer training that was spent in Georgia training with Gavin Grayck.

Whoa. That’s unbelievable. Before we get into your Supermini 1 title run at Loretta’s this year, and big congrats from everyone at Monster Energy on that, in 2021 you hung tough with another Monster Energy-backed racer, Drew Adams, in the 85cc (10-12) class and placed 2nd to Adams – your best career finish at Loretta’s ever. At the very least, it gave you a taste for what it’s like to have a title within reach. Talk about that year, and how that prepared you for this season.

That year was a really good year. That was actually my first year on the 85 at Loretta’s, but I came out swinging. I was definitely pumped on the 2nd overall as I know Drew was gonna be a tough one to beat. He’s a great rider. But it was awesome battling with him. I think each year at the Ranch has led me to this season. Each year has prepared me in different ways for sure.

In 2022, you moved up to the Mini Sr. 1 & 2 classes, scoring a podium finish in your first year in that (Mini Sr. 1) class. There were some fast kids in that class, of course, including Monster Energy’s Seth Dennis. You scored a podium in the third and final moto to edge out Kannon Hargrove for the third and final podium spot. Talk about the speed in the Mini Sr. classes and what you felt it was going to take in order to get back to the Supermini podium this year at Loretta’s.

For 2022 I came in with goals to Win. I had some up and down motos and just couldn't put it all together last year for the overall. I did have some good finishes, but it definitely wasn't what I wanted. I knew from that point I was determined to put my head down and come back in 2023 in the Supermini class to win overalls.

The opening Supermini 1 moto was big. You brought in a 2nd place finish behind Seth Dennis, and ahead of another Monster Energy athlete, Landen Gordon (who’d raced all the way back from 28th place to make the podium). Talk about that first moto and what was going through your head as you prepared for Moto 2. 

Moto 1 was good. I was pumped on it. Didn't have the best gate pick with a 31, so I came from the outside and set myself up pretty good with a decent start. Charged through the pack as quick as I could, but Seth had a pretty good lead by the time I worked my way through. When I got into 2nd place, I hit my marks and cut that lead time down as much as I could, but ultimately took 2nd, which I knew would set me up good for 2nd and 3rd motos.

Good racing conditions on Wednesday for the opening Supermini 1 moto would turn ugly on Thursday as the skies opened up over Hurricane Mills, forcing a delay in the action and, eventually, leading to some incredibly sloppy conditions for you guys. Somebody had to step up and win Moto 2, which was you. What were your thoughts when it was raining, delayed, and then when you were finally in the gate for Moto 2.

Honestly, I didn't even know if it would race at all on Thursday, but I knew I had to stay focused just in case we did. Once the rain gave way and I saw how the track was shaping up, I was hoping to race! By the time we actually lined up on the gate, I think it was 7:15 (p.m.). I knew the track was gnarly, and that is when I ride my best. I pulled the holeshot in that moto (2) and knew from there I was gonna have to hit my marks and be smart. The track was sick, huge ruts that went on from one turn to the other. That was actually my first moto win at the Ranch! Holeshot to checkers and just overall that race was one I won’t forget.

Staying on Moto 2, talk about that STACYC Holeshot you pulled, which ended up being key – especially given the conditions. Talk about how you were able to pull that off.

In Moto 2 I was going in with a 2nd gate pick and I knew that would set me up good, way better than that 31! Starts are definitely key at Loretta’s, and if you can set yourself up good, it makes it easier those first few sprint laps. When that gate dropped, I just clicked some gears and held it wide. I wanted it!

Awesome. So you’re sitting at 2-1, and leading (Dennis at 1-4 and Gordon at 3-2), heading into the third and deciding Supermini 1 moto. Three Monster Energy guys with a chance to win – and you pull another holeshot, which was huge. What was going through your mind when you were out front early on, chasing down your first Loretta’s title.

I kind of just tried to treat it like a normal race. I got out front and was able to ride my race and control it from there. I knew to ride smart and stay smooth.

You gave up the race lead late in the contest, but your 2nd place finish (2-1-2 overall) was good enough for a 1-point Supermini 1 championship win over Gordon. Were you aware of the points during the race?

Yes, I was aware of the points going in. I knew when Gordon came up on me that me being in second would still give me the title. So I settled in and rode smart and knew that we were both a way up from 3rd, so that I needed to stay consistent and smooth, and it would win me the championship - and it did just that!

What was it like to cross the finish line, knowing you’re now in the rare air of winning a Loretta’s championship?

Crossing the checkers knowing I just won a National Championship… (pause) it’s hard to explain! Of course, it felt amazing. I’ve been working hard for this for years, and with the setbacks that I had to overcome to get to Loretta’s this year, it just all felt right and like everything fell into place at the right time.

That’s so excellent, just like your starts all week and into the weekend – and possibly even beyond excellent in the sloppy conditions, as you nailed multiple holeshots in both Supermin1 and 2. Talk about starts in the mud, the intensity level (compared to dry, ideal conditions) and how did someone from Texas get so good at riding in the mud?

(Laughter) We definitely don't get too many mud days down here in Texas! Not sure how, but riding in mud is just more about riding smart with a little strategy in there, too. The starts in the mud are key for sure. The two mud motos that I got holeshots in were strategy. (I) just tried to find the least muddy path to the first turn, and I think we succeeded with that.

It takes a team to put you out front as well. Talk about Team Denno, your bike sponsor, Husqvarna, who does the tuning on your bike, practice and training coach(es) and anyone else that deserves credit for helping you achieve the title of “Loretta’s Champion.”

It does take a team, and I am super thankful for mine. First-My mom (Chrystal) and dad (Levi), none of this would be possible without them. They support me in everything. My mom is at training with me every day and my dad, who’s also my mechanic, works very hard to make sure I have everything I need to succeed. My trainer Gavin Grayck has really helped me so much on and off the bike as well. We also have a few key sponsors that really make sure we have what we need: Ryan at Rangeline, Austin at Adventure Moto, and Greg over at Lynks Racing for making sure I have some motors that Rip. Also, Monster Mike and the whole Monster Army/Monster Energy Crew, Pete Fox at Renen, the whole 100-percent crew, those guys are great, Kyle at Bell Helmets, Todd and all the guys at Factory Connection.

Team Denno! Right on. What happens next? Hear you golf a bit. Are you able to take some time to hit the links before you get back to school?

I have taken up some golf lately. I mean, I won’t be quitting my day job anytime soon, but it's been fun hitting the course with some of my buddies. As far as what happens next, I'm homeschooled, so will be getting that started back up and back to riding. We’ll be moving up in classes, so I’m excited about that.

Parting thoughts on the 2023 summer MX season?

Parting thoughts? Let’s see… what year it’s been! Quite the ride for sure. Lots of blood, sweat and determination went into the summer training. We had to fit a lot in being off the bike all spring, but I worked hard, and it all came together. Loretta’s is always a good time, but this year it was an extra good time. I’m stoked coming home to Texas as a National Champion, and I’m so pumped on the future!

Right on, Deacon. And so’s everyone at Monster Energy – pumped on your future! Thanks again, buddy.

Thank you.