Honda HRC is in a tight spot after both of its top riders, Jett and Hunter Lawrence, suffered significant injuries during the Glendale Triple Crown. Jett tore his ACL and is expected to be sidelined for at least four months after surgery, while Hunter is dealing with torn ligaments in his shoulder, which will keep him out for 8-10 weeks. With the remainder of the 2025 Supercross season in jeopardy for the Lawrence brothers, Honda HRC is on the hunt for a fill-in rider to keep their season competitive.
Rumors quickly swirled around potential candidates for the fill-in role, with one name that stood out being Vince Friese. Known for his aggressive starts and quick holeshots in the 450SX class, Friese seemed like a natural fit for the position. However, in an unexpected turn of events, it was revealed that Friese actually turned down the offer.
Daniel Blair, a prominent figure in the Supercross community, confirmed the news via a tweet on February 14, 2025, stating: “Just heard not happening. Vince turned it down.” This confirmation comes as a shock to many, considering Friese’s reputation as a competitive and capable rider. Currently sitting 21st in the 450SX standings, Friese has had difficulty consistently finishing at the top despite his impressive starts and potential. His recent performances have been far from the results he’s known for, which may have contributed to his decision.
Friese’s decision to decline the offer has left Honda HRC with a tough decision ahead. Although the team has been rumored to be in talks with Justin Hill, who has been performing well in the 450SX class, no official confirmation has been made regarding his potential fill-in role. Hill, currently in 11th place in the standings with 57 points, has had some solid finishes this season, including a 6th place finish at Round 4, making him a strong contender.
Despite his current struggles in the Supercross season, Friese made headlines last year by claiming a win in the World Supercross Championship, defeating top competitors like Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac. This victory showcased his undeniable speed and potential, further adding to the intrigue surrounding his choice to turn down the Honda HRC offer.
With both Lawrence brothers out for the remainder of the season, Honda HRC faces an increasingly difficult task in securing a replacement to maintain their competitive edge. The team will need to act quickly to fill the void left by their star riders, but finding the right fit could prove to be a challenge with so many talented riders already committed to other teams. The search for the right fill-in rider continues, and it remains to be seen who will step up to the plate for Honda HRC.
