2024 British Youth Motocross Champion Josh Vail stepped up to the Pro ranks this year, and although suffering an injury setback with a crash at the Hawkstone International, he battled hard to finish an impressive 10th overall in the MX2 British Motocross Championship and third in the JMR-supported British Under 21 Championship.
We caught up with the Phoenix Tools Fantic Racing Team rider to find out his thoughts on his Rookie season racing in the Pros…
Dirt Hub: Hey Josh, first up, congrats on a successful Rookie MX2 season…
You started off 2025 getting injured at the Hawkstone International. How much did you feel that affected the start of your season?
Josh: It was an unexpected hurdle that’s for sure, I’d worked hard during the off-season and felt really good on the new bike heading into Hawkstone. A lot of prep had gone into the event, and to hit the soft stuff on a landing in the last lap of quali brought it all to a pretty swift stop. After the surgery, I just had to focus really hard on rehab and fitness and bringing down the recovery time to a minimum. I think I had 5 weeks max post surgery to be ready for the first round of the British.
DH: In a way, did you feel the injury took the pressure off you when you came into your first MXGB rounds as the British Youth Champion?
Josh: Yes and no … it meant there were no expectations as such on results, the pressure just shifted to being able to make it through the races after minimal bike time in the run up, & try to stay injury free. But obviously, there is always a personal expectation; you want to succeed personally and prove your worth.
READ MORE: BRITISH MOTOCROSS NEWS
DH: What differences did you find racing with the Adults compared to the youth riders?
Josh: It’s another level !! If you survive qualifying it’s intense from the gate drop to the flag. Everyone on track is fast and there are alot of very experienced riders, they race so differently from the youth. I did do a few expert races on my 125 so had a taste, but MX2 this year has had an unreal depth of talent aswell as quality European riders that’s not been seen for a while, it’s tough.
DH: What surprised you most about racing in the Pro ranks?
Josh: Every single piece of the puzzle needs to come together for a good result. You can pass someone and two laps later, they are back again.
DH: How was it racing for the Phoenix Tools team?
Josh: Awesome !!!, It’s been a brilliant year with them, the team have been amazing and made me so welcome. Everyone gets on well, has a laugh, but pulls together & helps out if there’s a problem. We have a great atmosphere under the awning. Barry took a chance on me and I’m extremely grateful to him, he’s been great helping me adapt to the pro scene, & with no pressure. He has a true passion for the sport & his team.
DH: As well as finishing 10th in the MX2 championship, you also finished 3rd in the Under 21’s. Do you feel the Under-21 championship has been a good incentive to you and your young competitors?
Josh: It’s a real big step for younger riders moving into the pro class, and the Under 21 definitely helps with that. With no age limit, you have very experienced over 21s and also MX1 riders returning to the class, as well as very talented Under 21s. It gives you something to aim towards within the main result. I never envisaged finishing 3rd, my aim was 5th, consistently finishing and staying injury free put me in the right place for the points, it’s been a great finish to my rookie year. JMR, Mark & family, have given me a lot of support and guidance in the past through the foundation, so the fact that the Under 21 trophy is Jude’s 101 legacy is also something close to me.
DH: Did you feel like you met your own personal targets for the year?
Josh: Definitely, I’ve exceeded my own initial targets for the year, and I’m really happy with how it’s gone, both on and off the track. I never ever imagined I’d holeshot an MX2 British race against MXGP riders, a huge personal gain for me.
DH: What are your plans for 2026?
Josh: I’m pleased to be riding for Phoenix Tools Fantic racing again in MX2 of the British championship. Hopefully, we can get to some EMX & European rounds as well if we can pull it off logically & financially.
DH: Who would you like to thank for their support?
Josh: I’d like to thank, firstly, Barry & the Phoenix Tools team and all their sponsors for everything they’ve done for me this year. Also, my personal sponsors (Plumbdeal / Direct Commercials / RideRight & the Beckwood) who have been with me since being on an 85. SJP for keeping the bike fresh, Ash Wilde (Rmj) for all his guidance, coaching & patience. My Mum and Dad for their huge sacrifices, making everything possible… & everyone else in my corners, with words of support and encouragement – thank you.
