Upgrade to enjoy this feature!
Vital MX fantasy is free to play, but Premium users receive great benefits. Premium benefits include:
- View and download rider stats
- Pick trends
- Create a private league
- And more!
Only $10 for all 2026 SX, MX, and SMX series.
He's staying put.
Jo resigned with Honda. 1 year deal
I just want to see him on a 450
He'll be with Honda next year. Which is good, I think a move back to PC would be a step backwards, more time wasted getting used to a bike just when he's starting to look really good on the Honda.
The Shop
DeCal Works Huge Plastic Inventory of UFO and Polisport kits.
Luxon 4-Post Bar Mounts
$189.95 - $239.95
Only 1 year?
If it's only 1 year, if guess he wants a 450 ride, this buys him time, to find a ride.
They’d be mad to let him go. Japanese rider, that’s quick on a Japanese bike. Surely that’s their dreams right?
Good move. I kinda feel like Jo is finally coming into his own...and staying put is a good place to be. I'm surprised at the 1-year deal too!
No 450 for him there. 1 year deal let’s him have options to go 450 in 27.
Did he resign or re-sign with Honda
Paging Falcon
Paging Falcon
I know Lars is big on keeping the "family" dynamic together, which I don't mean just the Lawrences, but the tightknit group that includes Jo and Chance. If Hunter stays I wonder if we ever see something where they give Phoenix Honda a factory bike and put Jo under that tent or something.
Can they really not run another 450?
Of course they could, but why? Would it be worth the millions a year to put a rider in the 5-10th range while they already have the FMOTP and a guy who consistently gets on the box?
He seems really slightly built to handle a 450. I'm sure he's fast on one, but over a 30 minute outdoor moto, I don't see him having the strength. He seems purpose built for a 250.
Well, that and actually winning races and championships. Jo’s results have been fairly hit and miss over the last few years.
Does this mean he has actually left the team for 1yr…..
I get where you are coming from, but let’s be honest — this sport has been dominated by Japanese manufacturers for decades without a standout Japanese rider. Now we’ve got someone who changes that: a fast, race-winning rider from Japan who not only has the speed but also the polish, speaks the language and fluent English.
Sure, on a 450 he might only capitalize when the Lawrences stumble — but wouldn’t you rather see those points go to a Japanese rider on a Japanese bike than anyone else?
Give him a Japanese-language vlog like the Lawrences have, or feature him in theirs as part of the HRC story. Translate it for local fans and let YouTube ad revenue help pay his salary. Seems like a win all around.
I've heen pretty vocal Jo is a guy who will never win a title. But Deegz leaves a huge hole in the class next year. Its not far fetched to me he wins a title
Pit Row
I agree with you here. And we all know how injuries happen. If they ran 3 450s, they are bound to keep the red bike on the race track all year, regardless who is on it. Joe is likable, and I think this just makes sense.
Yep. When these leadership people were at red bud this week, Honda America showing off what good stuff they are doing clearly lands well when your riders take 3 of 6 spots on podiums and the highest ones. But one of those riders being from their country has to be gold.
I feel if Jo were to win in 27, Honda would offer penuts to have him also on their 450 in 27. 3 man squad, you betcha.
See the props to ACairoli for being Italian on an Italian made bike, both should be sponsors dream
The 250 class will look way different without Deegan. Not just from a physical talent aspect, but mentally every rider will be rejuvenated and believe they can win. Kind of like we saw when Jett exited Supercross with injury, the competition’s confidence immediately went through the roof! Outside of Deegan and Shimoda, the top 20 is absolutely stacked.
Jo cracks under championship pressure and doesnt perform until its off of him. I dont think he has enough grit.
Jo and Deegan seem to be on another level at this point. There is the occasional speed shown by others but week in and week out, those two are on it. Unless someone else steps up in the 250 (like Davies) Jo should bring it home next year.
2025 MXoN
Has Jo ever been in championship pressure? Seems like his seasons usually go sideways early, so he's never in contention late.
He hasn’t been in that position yet . At A1 he was the most impressive rider . Super talented & smooth a broken smashed finger from a pit board cost him the sx title. He raced with that smashed finger . I think he has grit .
Haha, very astute - and perhaps that's exactly what it means.
If I remember correctly, I started my grammar thread because of a press release with Musquin re-signing with KTM. I think hyphenating that word is the best case for clarity, although I could imagine "resigning," signing again, becoming a heteronym with "resigning," leaving one's post or position.
Like you pointed out, DonM, if you were to resign your post for one year, you could come back after 12 months. Although there's already a name for that, too: "sabbatical."
Sir, there is only one FMOTP and he currently calls the races.
Post a reply to: Jo Staying put ?!