JO SHIMODA GRIT-222 250MX

JO SHIMODA | GRIT-222 | SX 250

The raceway at Hangtown would be one of the most prestigious circuits in all of the United States; and many in the 250cc series would embark on the West Coast Circuit with enthusiasm...including that of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Jo Shimoda. The number thirty was phenomenal in his return to the racing circuit in recent months, and would bring an excellent sense of race-craft to the outdoor championship as the first round at Fox Raceway concluded. Next to follow, was that of Hangtown; where Shimoda registered fourth for the final time(d) trials qualification standings, as he was then set to engage in an intense opening lap for the first moto of the day. He would begin the opening segment in thirteenth while flying around the raceway and competing for top-ten's, never wavering as he soared upon the hillside amongst the multitude of step-ups on the Northern California circuit. He had moved into eighth position by the end of lap six after establishing a flow amongst other top riders, mimicking RJ Hampshire while using every bit of power that his Kawasaki engine could generate. He would overtake Tom Vialle on the tenth circuit after following Hampshire into a realm that was paralleled with the top-five; where he stood sixth, as both he and RJ looked to overtake Guillem Farres. The number eighty-eight was then passed by Shimoda, who also made the move on Hampshire prior to lap thirteen concluding...giving him a two position ascension with only laps remaining! This established him in fourth, where he defended the result from RJ Hampshire who strove to pass him in the final moments...but his Kawasaki would be cemented in the aforementioned position prior to going into the second round. To begin moto two, it was Shimoda who was running sixth while battling with Tom Vialle, Haiden Deegan, and Chance Hymas; with the four riders racing at a phenomenal pace amongst a rugged Hangtown circuit. Though being passed by Deegan, he was solidified in seventh and would pace the rookie (i.e. Deegan) quite well until nearing the halfway point. It was here, where the battle would intensify and create a traffic-jam of sorts in the switchback after the start. A climactic point would then occur with Shimoda clipping the machine of a downed rider and somehow fall off the outside bank and onto the ground below! It was quite the hit, and Shimoda would take his time getting up with his visor pressed down which deterred his vision...but the never-giving-up attitude of the number thirty would flourish in the laps thereafter where he would charge from outside of the top ten, to an eventual tenth place standing upon passing the checkered flag. This final effort of sorts, would solidify him in sixth overall on the day.

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