Jon is an AUTO qualifier with a deep racing résumé and the type of grit that doesn’t show up in splits — it shows up when everyone else starts slowing down. He’s battled through big starts before and knows how to keep racing when the body is screaming.
Phoenix storyline: survive and strike. Jon’s strength is his durability: he doesn’t unravel when things get messy, and Majors always get messy. He’s also a threat in the late race because he’s willing to keep pushing while others protect. If the first half is chaotic, Jon benefits — because he stays calm and keeps making forward decisions. Watch him through the middle stations; if he’s still connected, he’s coming.
