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HRC signed Jett and Hunter for something like the next 4 years if I'm not mistaken.
Pretty much guarantees Jo won't be on a red 450. Anyone hear anything about what his plans are?
Suzuki would be cool to snag up the best Japanese born rider since Akira Watanabe (125 world champ) to debut their new RMZ...
Lars has said they’d make room for a 3rd guy several times if necessary. But has Jo really shown he’s the guy to make room for?
Depends, early season Jo or late season Jo?
Looked pretty damn good on a 450 at MXoN last year
He's my bet to win this 250 outdoor title.
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It’d be ironic if he went to Kawi lol alternating between Honda and Kawasaki brands
Can we let the talented kid win a 250 title or two and then discuss this? Pretty sure HRC and even Pro Circuit would agree.
^2025 250 SMX Champion. 👍
You do realize Jo has been racing 250s awhile. Weren't Hunter and Jo's rookie years the same year on Geico?
So have a bunch of others. Let him win a title or two first on the 250. That will go a long way in his development and his investment portfolio. Not rushing him to a 450 even though he looked good at MXDN. Patience
why does he need to win a 250 title? he actually looks better on the 450....he should move up and forget trying to win a 250 title.
I disagree... I think Jo is wasting time on the small displacement bike. He's shown he's better suited to the 450. IMO every season he's not on a 450 at this point is wasted potential. We've seen what he does on the 250. It's barely getting any better each year. Just my opinion...
He's not better on a 450. Let him progress through a whole season and possibly win a title on a very good bike and team. Grow. I love the kid, I don't want him rushed when there's no reason yet. The thought process of some of you does not seem like you understand how difficult it is. Look at RJ, it was time for him to go up and ride a 450. And he's ridden well at times. But was he ready? Possibly. But now he's searching for a ride. Not really his fault. He will get one. But still not easy.
Jo is 24 years old. Not old by any standards, and still younger than kitchen and hammacker, but I agree
Late season Jo is pretty good.
What are you basing that opinion on? One moto at the MXdN (which was in the USA) where he finished one position in front of Jan Pancar?
Do we think he would have anything for Jett or Hunter? I can’t see him rushing to move up just to be defeated each week.
I think he should be on a 450. He's tall and strong enough, and it would suit his precise technique. I don't think he'll be a 450 champion (though I'd love it), but I think he could have a Musquin- or Windham-esque career.
450? Let's just git er done on the 250 first.
If he can't close out this outdoor season with this field, then he isn't ready for 450.
Pit Row
He was with Kawisaki before, so…
Plus he seems pretty levelheaded. Would be nice to see a pair of consistent Kawis out there.
I think thats being reductionist. We all saw how well he was riding, especially at the beginning of those motos, on a bike he had very little prep on. 20 seconds behind Jett in MXGP+Open, right behind Febvre is nothing to turn your nose up at. I don't think it's unrealistic to think if Jo was in the 450 class right now he could be battling with Marchbanks.
I think his style (as we saw at the MXDN) would really work on the 450.
Just skip to 7:08 - the leaders come through and then a few seconds later Jo comes through on the pegs:
Not saying he's the only one going through there like that but you have to think that style would pay off even more on the bigger bike.
if he doesn't win the 250 title this year, he should move up. it's that simple....
yea. i dont think he needs the pressure and scrutiny he gets in 250s. let him go to 450s and work towards top end of top 10 without any expectation. he'll do alot better and stop making mistakes from overriding. he's a better rider than he is a racer imo. let him learn how to race without the pressure of title expectations.
I bet one more season 250s then HRC 450. After that HRC farms out the 250 program again.
The notion that a rider must win a 250 title before moving up is ludicrous imo.
I agree. I really like the MXGP age out rule, keeps the 250 as a feeder class and allows those aged 18-24 to develop.
I understand why guys like Max Anstie camp out in 250s but in my opinion it shouldnt be happening
So you’re saying battling for 6-10th place (usually) in 450’s is better than battling for a 250 championship? The reality is, he’s not winning a 450 championship with Jett, Hunter, Deegan and Coenen (hopefully). If he wants a championship added to his name then he needs to win the 250 title before he moves up. Believe it or not, winning a championship is far more important to these guys than appeasing a few fans.
The notion that the riders and their teams don’t prefer they win a championship before moving up is ludicrous.
If he is as perpetually buried at the starts on the 450 as he has been for his career 250, he will see little success in the big boy class.
I think he should go up.
I rekon too many good riders are wasting their time in the 250's. Its brutal in that class, riding a 250 on its limit with a bunch of animals.
I think he's as good if not better than RJ and Marchbanks, who seem to be doing pretty good.
He's probably got AP, Barcia and Ferandis covered, so that puts him probably P5 - P9ish most races.
Id rather be running top 10 in 450 class than battling for 250 championship.
Not sure why anyone is saying he cant beat Jett, Hunter and Deegan. Like no shit, no one else can either? Does that mean no one else ever steps up?
He looked brilliant at MXON.
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