Jo’s lack of race IQ

ShellyMX
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3/22/2026 5:23pm

I’m baffled as well. Seems like he’s either distracted or his heart isn’t in it.

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3/22/2026 5:51pm
30minmotos wrote:
His race craft is really really low. If Webb is a 10 on race craft and setting up passes and blocking passes, Jo is a 1.Wow...

His race craft is really really low. If Webb is a 10 on race craft and setting up passes and blocking passes, Jo is a 1.


Wow he’s blown so many pass attempts this year it’s crazy.


His riding has been incredible and he’s so likeable but he has to work on passes and race IQ big time.

He made the pass on Cole. He didn't need to go wide for any reason. He wasn't tripling out. He was doubling. he just had to go tight. Boom pass made and he would of got the win thanks to the penalty. 

Like I see him doing these stupid attempts of a pass and am blown away. The one on Pierce at the opener. I get it more as riders get a little desperate. But he wasn't close. That line was shit on the 250. Wait for a spot. 

Than the Indy move taking the privateer line. Inside rolll jump on ,trying to pass Cole.... Its a lapper line.... 

I am more frustrated cause he has the talent to win this championship and more. But he doesn't know how to race. Facility riders showing cracks basically. 

But yeah this weekends is up there as an all timer for Jo.  

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30minmotos
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3/22/2026 5:57pm
Spudinki45 wrote:
I think it stems from his lack of passion for the sport. If you listen to any of his interviews, (check out the 100 hour video)...

I think it stems from his lack of passion for the sport. If you listen to any of his interviews, (check out the 100 hour video), he talks about how he doesn't really like riding. His dad just made him do it, and he happened to be good.

As a result, I think he lacks the intuition for racing. Guys like Deegan, eat, sleep, breathe moto. They watched the races for fun as a kid (so they know how to handle tight SX battles). They're constantly looking to ride, and have that extra bit of IQ on how to maneuver the bike in those tight racing situations, unlike someone like Jo who probably never watches races, besides his own.

It doesn't matter for MX, where there's so much room to move around, but it holds back Jo in SX (despite the fact he has talent... and looked better than Davies and Hammaker tonight).

That’s actually a pretty good take.


If you aren’t into it, never watch battles, never dice it up for fun with buddies and just do the bare minimum on the bike stuff that’s not a recipe.


Some of it is instinct but some of it if you are never working on it makes sense it would show through.

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30minmotos
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3/22/2026 5:59pm
30minmotos wrote:
His race craft is really really low. If Webb is a 10 on race craft and setting up passes and blocking passes, Jo is a 1.Wow...

His race craft is really really low. If Webb is a 10 on race craft and setting up passes and blocking passes, Jo is a 1.


Wow he’s blown so many pass attempts this year it’s crazy.


His riding has been incredible and he’s so likeable but he has to work on passes and race IQ big time.

He made the pass on Cole. He didn't need to go wide for any reason. He wasn't tripling out. He was doubling. he just had to...

He made the pass on Cole. He didn't need to go wide for any reason. He wasn't tripling out. He was doubling. he just had to go tight. Boom pass made and he would of got the win thanks to the penalty. 

Like I see him doing these stupid attempts of a pass and am blown away. The one on Pierce at the opener. I get it more as riders get a little desperate. But he wasn't close. That line was shit on the 250. Wait for a spot. 

Than the Indy move taking the privateer line. Inside rolll jump on ,trying to pass Cole.... Its a lapper line.... 

I am more frustrated cause he has the talent to win this championship and more. But he doesn't know how to race. Facility riders showing cracks basically. 

But yeah this weekends is up there as an all timer for Jo.  

Agreed. It’s insane to watch.

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The Shop

OT
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3/23/2026 2:03am

He really has fumbled a lot of good results (I mean, 3rd is still good right?) by making poor decisions. 

John813
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3/23/2026 4:15am

I think he's still rusty/maybe just needs more time. Towards the end of the race just seemed like he went away from what was working and got too aggressive/maybe just over thinking it. 

Just glad he's back out there. Very lucky with that neck injury and even then he's still finishing well in a East 250 class. 

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Preston412
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3/23/2026 4:38am

This thread is stupid. You all are belittling a man who has beat the best straight up and is probably timid/nervous at times after breaking his neck. It takes time to build confidence back up after an injury like that. Jo would make every single one you all look like you have no skill on a bike.    

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RaceFan
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3/23/2026 5:03am
Preston412 wrote:
This thread is stupid. You all are belittling a man who has beat the best straight up and is probably timid/nervous at times after breaking his...

This thread is stupid. You all are belittling a man who has beat the best straight up and is probably timid/nervous at times after breaking his neck. It takes time to build confidence back up after an injury like that. Jo would make every single one you all look like you have no skill on a bike.    

Was thinking similar. He may just be playing it safe and not be willing to risk other lines. As frustrating as it was to watch him follow jumping into his character is peak “internet expert”.

Folks love to judge others actions as their character but when it comes to judging our own actions it’s circumstance. Fundamental Attribution Error. 

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AMetts
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3/23/2026 6:26am

Explains a bit why he seems to be an even better rider outdoors, where the passes come a little easier compared to supercross. 

I wonder how often he rides with a track full of guys during the week? I don't imagine he is doing that a lot especially compared to the Star guys, not like you need to be making aggressive passes during the week but just spending time behind a guy for a few corners planning a pass during the week has got to help.

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30minmotos
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3/23/2026 6:26am
Preston412 wrote:
This thread is stupid. You all are belittling a man who has beat the best straight up and is probably timid/nervous at times after breaking his...

This thread is stupid. You all are belittling a man who has beat the best straight up and is probably timid/nervous at times after breaking his neck. It takes time to build confidence back up after an injury like that. Jo would make every single one you all look like you have no skill on a bike.    

RaceFan wrote:
Was thinking similar. He may just be playing it safe and not be willing to risk other lines. As frustrating as it was to watch him...

Was thinking similar. He may just be playing it safe and not be willing to risk other lines. As frustrating as it was to watch him follow jumping into his character is peak “internet expert”.

Folks love to judge others actions as their character but when it comes to judging our own actions it’s circumstance. Fundamental Attribution Error. 

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

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Jabe
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3/23/2026 6:53am
30minmotos wrote:
I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.I’m not attacking his character lol… And of course wow a pro...

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

I think it’s from this take if yours and others that he has no heart for racing.


Which is pretty wild considering his demeanor after these losses. I mean he was visibly disappointed.

But regarding heart or in other words: love for the sport. I remember very clearly reading a quote from rc from the 2000/2001 era that personally he „hates supercross but that’s where the money is“. It was either a German mx magazine or one of the three (transworld, racerx or motocross action). 

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30minmotos
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3/23/2026 6:56am
30minmotos wrote:
I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.I’m not attacking his character lol… And of course wow a pro...

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

Jabe wrote:
I think it’s from this take if yours and others that he has no heart for racing.Which is pretty wild considering his demeanor after these losses...

I think it’s from this take if yours and others that he has no heart for racing.


Which is pretty wild considering his demeanor after these losses. I mean he was visibly disappointed.

But regarding heart or in other words: love for the sport. I remember very clearly reading a quote from rc from the 2000/2001 era that personally he „hates supercross but that’s where the money is“. It was either a German mx magazine or one of the three (transworld, racerx or motocross action). 

Yeah I never mentioned he doesn’t care. His racing decisions are just poor. Horrible pass attempts. Following too closely. Dive bombing ruining his corner and then pulling out of the attack before he actually blocks their line, so they double out no issue and he’s forced to roll and lose 5 seconds.


Just terrible pass attempts. That’s all.

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RaceFan
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3/23/2026 6:58am
30minmotos wrote:
I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.I’m not attacking his character lol… And of course wow a pro...

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

Who mentioned you?

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30minmotos
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3/23/2026 7:01am
30minmotos wrote:
I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.I’m not attacking his character lol… And of course wow a pro...

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

RaceFan wrote:

Who mentioned you?

“This thread is stupid….”


“I was thinking similar…”


”Who mentioned you”


Umm what lol

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RaceFan
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3/23/2026 8:24am Edited Date/Time 3/23/2026 8:24am
30minmotos wrote:

“This thread is stupid….”


“I was thinking similar…”


”Who mentioned you”


Umm what lol

A thread is more than your original post and honestly I rarely take note of usernames.

But now that you mention it… 😃

1
3/23/2026 8:34am

Anyone who says "race craft" in their post gets a automatic thumbs down. 

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30minmotos
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3/23/2026 8:39am
lostboy819 wrote:

Anyone who says "race craft" in their post gets a automatic thumbs down. 

I love my new riding kit.

1
3/23/2026 8:41am
lostboy819 wrote:

Anyone who says "race craft" in their post gets a automatic thumbs down. 

30minmotos wrote:

I love my new riding kit.

image 161 3
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30minmotos
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3/23/2026 8:49am
lostboy819 wrote:

Anyone who says "race craft" in their post gets a automatic thumbs down. 

30minmotos wrote:

I love my new riding kit.

lostboy819 wrote:
image 161 3

The lites class has been epic. Did you see deegans kit? Or the quad over table line!? He seat bounced and got extra lift!

1
3/23/2026 12:01pm
30minmotos wrote:

I love my new riding kit.

lostboy819 wrote:
image 161 3
30minmotos wrote:

The lites class has been epic. Did you see deegans kit? Or the quad over table line!? He seat bounced and got extra lift!

Ok, I know when I have been beaten. 👍

beat-up-498-x-376-gif-85dr4ea7nm4r63z5
joshd
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3/23/2026 12:45pm

I get what the OP is trying to say. I played baseball with a lot of boys who ended up playing D1 and some who made it to the MLB. The ones who made it to the majors slept baseball ate baseball…. You get the point. 

The most talented guy I ever played with you’ve never heard of and I played with Justin Steele. The guy I’m talking about reminds me a lot of Joe. He liked baseball and is a great dude. He just wasn’t obsessed with baseball and that is what it takes to be at the tippy top. 

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gt80rider
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3/23/2026 12:46pm

To me... this is the best version of Joe.. he's patient and not forcing anything early in the season... he's coming off a big injury... imo he's over delivering this season and looks like the best version of Joe so far... 

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aeffertz
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3/23/2026 1:16pm

Some of these posts man, I swear... "Jo had an injury, you cannot critique him ever again. Plus he's faster than you."

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Preston412
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3/23/2026 3:39pm
30minmotos wrote:
I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.I’m not attacking his character lol… And of course wow a pro...

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

He doesn't lack racecraft and he may not feel comfortable pushing 100% because of the way that track developed so he wasn't using racecraft and just wanting to stay off of the ground.  He is only 9 points down and 3 behind Hammaker, I would say he has racecraft when he is confident. 

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joshd
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3/23/2026 6:08pm
30minmotos wrote:
I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.I’m not attacking his character lol… And of course wow a pro...

I literally wrote he’s riding amazing and is super likeable but his race craft is lacking.


I’m not attacking his character lol… 


And of course wow a pro factory racer is faster than me… 


Shut it down none of us can ever discuss any racer again if being faster than them is a prerequisite to having any opinions/


any thing else?

Preston412 wrote:
He doesn't lack racecraft and he may not feel comfortable pushing 100% because of the way that track developed so he wasn't using racecraft and just...

He doesn't lack racecraft and he may not feel comfortable pushing 100% because of the way that track developed so he wasn't using racecraft and just wanting to stay off of the ground.  He is only 9 points down and 3 behind Hammaker, I would say he has racecraft when he is confident. 

Lars said he lacks race craft but go on. 

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ShellyMX
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3/23/2026 6:30pm
aeffertz wrote:

Some of these posts man, I swear... "Jo had an injury, you cannot critique him ever again. Plus he's faster than you."

lol yes! Reminds me of anyone that would criticize James Stewart ever for his many missteps.

3/25/2026 11:02am

It is wild watching the "half" attempts at passing. He is so much better than that.

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