race recap
JO SHIMODA | GRIT-218 | 250SX
May 2, 2023 · Jo Shimoda
JO SHIMODA | GRIT-218 | SX 250
The racing surface of round fifteen was a challenge that was difficult for any athlete to figure out…even that of Jo Shimoda who was an absolute "ace" at mastering varying soil surfaces from around the country. But it was evident in practice that he'd figured out the riddle of this slick, and hard-packed surface of Nashville, Tennessee. Despite the track appearing moist and holding a plentiful amount of traction, it was quickly dug through amongst wheelset(s) of countless 250cc machines as they sped through practice rounds. Though he remained categorized at the front of the field and would head into the second heat looking to combat the best in the division and obtain a strong gate choice for the main event. He would execute that task rather well, but it wasn't necessarily what he desired as he had rallied to fifth by the time the green flag would wave. Methodically, he would work his way into fourth by the end of lap four, hoping to get around Jeremy Martin as quickly as possible. But his aspirations would push him a bit too far (in terms of traction), and Shimoda would lose the front-end while hovering near the inside barrier in the elevated corner! Though remounting the motorcycle urgently, he would only be able to accrue fourth by the time the checkered flag was waved; seeking redemption in the main event. Once here, his Kawasaki machine could be located in fourth on the first lap. Not long thereafter, would he overtake the ClubMX Yamaha athlete (i.e. Jeremy Martin) and proceed to latch onto the red-plate holder (Hunter Lawrence) to the best of his abilities. They were only bike lengths from one another, while seeking to overtake Jordon Smith who led. And with Shimoda's constant longing to pass the Honda adversary, they both would move around Jordon Smith prior to the sixth lap being completed, as Smith would drift off-track in the sand section! Now in the runner-up residency, Shimoda was toggling "managing the moto" while possessing aspirations of striving for victory. Lap after lap, he retained an admirable speed that was nearly paralleled with Lawrence; but he couldn't seem to find the outlying attribute that would push him ahead of the red-plate holder once and for all. And as the seventeen circuit quest then came to a close, it was Shimoda who sported a notable second-place overall, aboard his Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki.