Justin Hill to JGR Factory Suzuki, 2 year deal

F150Motocrosser
Edited Date/Time 9/13/2017 12:13pm
Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. On the better-late-than-never PulpMX Budds Creek Review podcast this afternoon, Matthes broke the news that JGR Factory Suzuki is signing Justin Hill to a two year deal, riding a 250 for 2018 and a 450 in 2019.

Don't think many people saw this one coming; I know I didn't. Like they mentioned on the podcast; seems a little surprising Hill would want to defend the 250 regional SX title on the long-in-the-tooth '18 RMZ250, especially since an all new 250 is coming in 2019, when he switches to a 450. Also to Steve's point; pretty crazy that JGR is willing to commit to giving Hill a 450 ride 2 years from now; especially given Hill's less than inspiring effort in the Nationals this year.

Hang onto your sprocket bolts gentlemen.. The Silly Season is upon us...
|
Sodipop
Profile picture for user Sodipop
Posts
869
Joined
5/10/2016
Location
Petaluma, CA US
Sodipop 8/22/2017 6:44pm
8/22/2017 6:44pm
F150Motocrosser wrote:
Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. On the better-late-than-never PulpMX Budds Creek Review podcast this afternoon, Matthes broke the news that JGR Factory Suzuki is signing...
Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. On the better-late-than-never PulpMX Budds Creek Review podcast this afternoon, Matthes broke the news that JGR Factory Suzuki is signing Justin Hill to a two year deal, riding a 250 for 2018 and a 450 in 2019.

Don't think many people saw this one coming; I know I didn't. Like they mentioned on the podcast; seems a little surprising Hill would want to defend the 250 regional SX title on the long-in-the-tooth '18 RMZ250, especially since an all new 250 is coming in 2019, when he switches to a 450. Also to Steve's point; pretty crazy that JGR is willing to commit to giving Hill a 450 ride 2 years from now; especially given Hill's less than inspiring effort in the Nationals this year.

Hang onto your sprocket bolts gentlemen.. The Silly Season is upon us...
What a misguided decision
es337
Profile picture for user es337
Posts
1086
Joined
4/13/2012
Location
MD US
es337 8/22/2017 6:48pm
8/22/2017 6:48pm
JGR said 4 250s in supercross and only 2 outdoors, maybe hill is supercross only. That would make sense.
F150Motocrosser 8/22/2017 6:54pm
8/22/2017 6:54pm
es337 wrote:
JGR said 4 250s in supercross and only 2 outdoors, maybe hill is supercross only. That would make sense.
It sounds like it definitely is not SX only; however it did sound like JGR is keeping the team/line up pretty fluid and subject to change depending on which riders seem the most promising going into each outdoor season..
jorgechavez 8/22/2017 7:07pm
8/22/2017 7:07pm
Hey pretty cool that JGR will have a number one plate bike under their tent.

The Shop

See All »
aeffertz
Profile picture for user aeffertz
Posts
9269
Joined
7/16/2015
Location
Eau Claire, WI US
aeffertz 8/22/2017 7:10pm
8/22/2017 7:10pm
jorgechavez wrote:
Hey pretty cool that JGR will have a number one plate bike under their tent.
Never even thought of that. Bet that came with a pretty price tag.
F150Motocrosser 8/22/2017 7:16pm
8/22/2017 7:16pm
jorgechavez wrote:
Hey pretty cool that JGR will have a number one plate bike under their tent.
This had to of been a really appealing aspect, plus it sounds like they really like his odds of defending the title. Sounding more and more like a strategic gamble at bolstering the 250 team's street cred as they begin putting more emphasis on developing an amateur program like Team Green, Orange Brigade etc
Johnny Depp
Profile picture for user Johnny Depp
Posts
6438
Joined
10/16/2014
Location
Buda, TX US
Johnny Depp 8/22/2017 7:29pm
8/22/2017 7:29pm
Brilliant move to have Hill for Supercross with the #1 Plate and lock him up for the following year for his Supercross 450 potential.
Who cares if he doesn't do outdoors?
TheOriginalPancakee 8/22/2017 7:33pm
8/22/2017 7:33pm
So JGR 250s will be :
Hill
Matt B
Phil (I heard he's getting another chance)
4th rider?
And 450s
Phil 450s?
Bogle?
Peick is back correct?
Man I'm lost
kzizok
Profile picture for user kzizok
Posts
8392
Joined
10/19/2010
Location
AS US
Fantasy
2034th
kzizok 8/22/2017 7:35pm
8/22/2017 7:35pm Edited Date/Time 8/22/2017 7:37pm
jorgechavez wrote:
Hey pretty cool that JGR will have a number one plate bike under their tent.
F150Motocrosser wrote:
This had to of been a really appealing aspect, plus it sounds like they really like his odds of defending the title. Sounding more and more...
This had to of been a really appealing aspect, plus it sounds like they really like his odds of defending the title. Sounding more and more like a strategic gamble at bolstering the 250 team's street cred as they begin putting more emphasis on developing an amateur program like Team Green, Orange Brigade etc
As confusing of a move I thought this was when opening this thread (w/ his recent outdoors showing), you guys bring up points I hadn't thought of. Seems like a good move.
mb60
Profile picture for user mb60
Posts
4737
Joined
3/7/2010
Location
GRAPEVINE, TX US
mb60 8/22/2017 7:38pm
8/22/2017 7:38pm
I would think Kyle Cunningham has earned a chance to come back next year. Unless Harrison is not on a yamaha and they want a younger guy.
bd
Profile picture for user bd
Posts
5976
Joined
4/6/2007
Location
Las Vegas, NV US
bd 8/22/2017 7:50pm
8/22/2017 7:50pm
F150Motocrosser wrote:
Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. On the better-late-than-never PulpMX Budds Creek Review podcast this afternoon, Matthes broke the news that JGR Factory Suzuki is signing...
Surprised this hasn't been posted yet. On the better-late-than-never PulpMX Budds Creek Review podcast this afternoon, Matthes broke the news that JGR Factory Suzuki is signing Justin Hill to a two year deal, riding a 250 for 2018 and a 450 in 2019.

Don't think many people saw this one coming; I know I didn't. Like they mentioned on the podcast; seems a little surprising Hill would want to defend the 250 regional SX title on the long-in-the-tooth '18 RMZ250, especially since an all new 250 is coming in 2019, when he switches to a 450. Also to Steve's point; pretty crazy that JGR is willing to commit to giving Hill a 450 ride 2 years from now; especially given Hill's less than inspiring effort in the Nationals this year.

Hang onto your sprocket bolts gentlemen.. The Silly Season is upon us...
Sodipop wrote:
What a misguided decision
Dumb post of the day. Hill limited his risk by taking a 250F ride in 2018 and 450F ride in 2019. How many 450 rides are there?
speed_racer
Profile picture for user speed_racer
Posts
351
Joined
7/29/2016
Location
Aiea, HI US
Fantasy
2007th
speed_racer 8/22/2017 8:00pm
8/22/2017 8:00pm
Super smart move.
#1 will look good on the Suzuki.
When Hill wants to win, he can.
Forget the Nationals, he can kick ass in 450 SX and that will pay the bills.
He can keep Monster at JGR for his helmet.
The bike will be good, the GP RMZ250 is strong.
Suzuki will get the number one plate for all the fans to see, $$$$$$$$$$$$$
Suzuki wants to rebuild the 250 program, and to prove it they just wrote a huge check.
Brilliant!
langhammx
Profile picture for user langhammx
Posts
8928
Joined
5/5/2011
Location
Santa Clarita, CA US
Fantasy
455th
langhammx 8/22/2017 8:04pm
8/22/2017 8:04pm
It's been talked about for the last week, but yeah... it's official now.
KirkChandler
Profile picture for user KirkChandler
Posts
1667
Joined
7/31/2015
Location
Oceanside, CA US
Fantasy
385th
KirkChandler 8/22/2017 8:06pm
8/22/2017 8:06pm
From Hill's perspective you have to look at the path moving to 450s. If the rules didn't change this year, he would have been screwed next year because there was no path forward with Kawasaki. Eli and most likely Grant are the team going forward in 2018.

Even staying at Kawi next year with Pro Circuit (which would be a 1 year deal) and then having no direct step to the 450 team is a gamble. Eli is locked in at Kawi through 19. And Kawasaki hasn't exactly matriculated their 250 guys up to the Factory Team recently. Guys like Baggett/Wilson/Tickle/Pourcell have all won Kawasaki 250 titles and were not moved to the factory Team. The last 2 250 champs that were moved up were Weimer (2011) and Villopoto (2009).

I would see Savatgy or Cianciarulo being the next guy along side Tomac. With Forkner coming in once Tomac retires.
mxb2
Profile picture for user mxb2
Posts
22488
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
mxb2 8/22/2017 8:29pm
8/22/2017 8:29pm Edited Date/Time 8/22/2017 8:29pm
KirkChandler wrote:
From Hill's perspective you have to look at the path moving to 450s. If the rules didn't change this year, he would have been screwed next...
From Hill's perspective you have to look at the path moving to 450s. If the rules didn't change this year, he would have been screwed next year because there was no path forward with Kawasaki. Eli and most likely Grant are the team going forward in 2018.

Even staying at Kawi next year with Pro Circuit (which would be a 1 year deal) and then having no direct step to the 450 team is a gamble. Eli is locked in at Kawi through 19. And Kawasaki hasn't exactly matriculated their 250 guys up to the Factory Team recently. Guys like Baggett/Wilson/Tickle/Pourcell have all won Kawasaki 250 titles and were not moved to the factory Team. The last 2 250 champs that were moved up were Weimer (2011) and Villopoto (2009).

I would see Savatgy or Cianciarulo being the next guy along side Tomac. With Forkner coming in once Tomac retires.
,
mxb2
Profile picture for user mxb2
Posts
22488
Joined
6/15/2010
Location
Bowie, MD US
mxb2 8/22/2017 8:30pm
8/22/2017 8:30pm
Jg33 for 2018,
tcallahan707
Profile picture for user tcallahan707
Posts
1826
Joined
4/5/2016
Location
Morrison, CO US
tcallahan707 8/22/2017 8:39pm
8/22/2017 8:39pm Edited Date/Time 8/22/2017 8:40pm
The scary thing about this is how much of a precedent is being set for SX only skills/desire. You can blow balls at 250MX and earn a factory 450 ride 2 years from now. This whole 250 outdoor champ scratching for a 450 paycheck is going to become all too common. Getting a 450 deal is becoming a big factor in 250 deals. These guys are scared to be out of a job, for good reason.

Pit Row

See All »
TheLsho
Profile picture for user TheLsho
Posts
181
Joined
9/11/2015
Location
B.C. CA
Fantasy
874th
TheLsho 8/22/2017 9:01pm
8/22/2017 9:01pm
tcallahan707 wrote:
The scary thing about this is how much of a precedent is being set for SX only skills/desire. You can blow balls at 250MX and earn...
The scary thing about this is how much of a precedent is being set for SX only skills/desire. You can blow balls at 250MX and earn a factory 450 ride 2 years from now. This whole 250 outdoor champ scratching for a 450 paycheck is going to become all too common. Getting a 450 deal is becoming a big factor in 250 deals. These guys are scared to be out of a job, for good reason.
We have no idea what may be causing his results from this years outdoors, but just a year ago he went 5, 4 in his first two races back in the middle of the season. I don't think that would be considered "blowing balls". He obviously has skills and potential, as well as a title, so I don't think it's that scary at all.
Travis_Hudson
Profile picture for user Travis_Hudson
Posts
5011
Joined
12/7/2010
Location
Bentonville, AR US
Fantasy
1089th
Travis_Hudson 8/22/2017 11:03pm
8/22/2017 11:03pm
tcallahan707 wrote:
The scary thing about this is how much of a precedent is being set for SX only skills/desire. You can blow balls at 250MX and earn...
The scary thing about this is how much of a precedent is being set for SX only skills/desire. You can blow balls at 250MX and earn a factory 450 ride 2 years from now. This whole 250 outdoor champ scratching for a 450 paycheck is going to become all too common. Getting a 450 deal is becoming a big factor in 250 deals. These guys are scared to be out of a job, for good reason.
I agree. It's sad in my opinion..
philG
Profile picture for user philG
Posts
9696
Joined
5/12/2012
Location
GB
philG 8/23/2017 12:18am
8/23/2017 12:18am
Well at least JGR will have a No1 plate... cant see another good reason . If he is SX only, they are hiring him to do 2 hours work. Stupid
Rotaholic
Profile picture for user Rotaholic
Posts
1417
Joined
4/2/2013
Location
NZ
Rotaholic 8/23/2017 12:26am
8/23/2017 12:26am
So pumped for this, hope he does well. Really like what JGR and suzuki have planned
jonesaustin
Profile picture for user jonesaustin
Posts
2497
Joined
7/6/2009
Location
Austin, TX US
jonesaustin 8/23/2017 3:05am
8/23/2017 3:05am
Hill on the Suzuki, cool move! Sure wish he was in the 450 class come Anaheim though.
RonJon
Profile picture for user RonJon
Posts
386
Joined
9/13/2016
Location
Torquay AU
RonJon 8/23/2017 4:34am
8/23/2017 4:34am
Yet another career to be ruined by JGR
es337
Profile picture for user es337
Posts
1086
Joined
4/13/2012
Location
MD US
es337 8/23/2017 5:05am
8/23/2017 5:05am
RonJon wrote:
Yet another career to be ruined by JGR
Oh really what was hills trajectory without jgr? Full time insta rider with his brother and axell?
Paul333
Profile picture for user Paul333
Posts
1838
Joined
2/15/2012
Location
Virginia Beach, VA US
Paul333 8/23/2017 5:14am
8/23/2017 5:14am
jorgechavez wrote:
Hey pretty cool that JGR will have a number one plate bike under their tent.
Who says he will even run the #1 plate? We might just run his 35.

Personally I am all for the AMA/MX Sports/FIM/Youthstream going back to riders using their earned number like MX/SX did for decades. The permanent number thing sucks, hasn't worked, and will never work like they hoped it would.
Paul333
Profile picture for user Paul333
Posts
1838
Joined
2/15/2012
Location
Virginia Beach, VA US
Paul333 8/23/2017 5:15am
8/23/2017 5:15am
Johnny Depp wrote:
Brilliant move to have Hill for Supercross with the #1 Plate and lock him up for the following year for his Supercross 450 potential. Who cares...
Brilliant move to have Hill for Supercross with the #1 Plate and lock him up for the following year for his Supercross 450 potential.
Who cares if he doesn't do outdoors?
Let me give you a list:

(1.) 99.99% of the industry sponsors
(2.) Fans
Rowlands
Profile picture for user Rowlands
Posts
1706
Joined
2/4/2015
Location
GB
Rowlands 8/23/2017 5:38am
8/23/2017 5:38am
RonJon wrote:
Yet another career to be ruined by JGR
Vital positivity at its finest Laughing
526
Profile picture for user 526
Posts
1681
Joined
5/4/2009
Location
Colgate, WI US
526 8/23/2017 5:53am
8/23/2017 5:53am
This will never pan out for a Positive for anyone I am afraid.
Steve125
Profile picture for user Steve125
Posts
1353
Joined
11/24/2010
Location
CT US
Fantasy
2779th
Steve125 8/23/2017 6:00am
8/23/2017 6:00am
Been waiting to see Hill on a 450 again since his beastly ride at the MEC a few years ago. Glad to see he will get a shot even though we have to wait another year.

Hoping the same for JMart (Daytona '17) too.

Post a reply to: Justin Hill to JGR Factory Suzuki, 2 year deal