JO SHIMODA - GRIT 234 250SMX

JO SHIMODA | GRIT-234 | 250 SMX

Few riders in the sport would carry more momentum into the segment of competition at the LA Memorial Coliseum, then Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Jo Shimoda. The rider who sported the number thirty had been prolific in regard to generating notable finishes in recent memory - and aspired to continue on that trajectory for the final round of the SMX Championship. He would blend his lines of both, the outdoor and Supercross sections together with perfect harmony in qualification, prior to embarking on the main event(s) with confidence that couldn't be forged. As the field then proceeded to funnel into turn number one for the opening main event of the two-portion showcase, it was Shimoda who secured eighth on the first full lap of action while knowing that there was little time to waste. Many in the crowd would monitor his movement as he made daring passes, leaping into the sand section while compressing his suspension to the fullest extent. But regardless of how large the bump, or deep particular grooves became, the rider from Japan would seemingly make his pathways optimal and extremely efficient. He had passed his way into fifth by lap ten, while trailing Haiden Deegan as they neared the final quarter of the moto. And upon knowing that points were amplified for this final round of the playoff's, while understanding that Haiden Deegan was a rival for the overall championship, it would be evident that Shimoda would put his all into passing by the Yamaha rookie! With authority, he then made a calculated dash of sorts around the native Californian...which send the crowd into a roar of sorts! Now fourth, he would do everything possible to put a margin of riders between he and the number 238 machine; though ultimately, he was forced to reside fourth, with Deegan fifth. The second episode would be embarked on with Jo barreling through the first corner with no means of letting of the throttle, fighting with tenacity to be established in fourthas thousands of fans cheered with applause. Though a grueling pack of opponents would attempt to overtake him from both inside and outside, Shimoda was steadfast in his placement that was just inside the top-five. With the track now being rather manicured for the second moto, it was evident that Shimoda was having a bit more of a difficult time in nullifying the lead that his competitors had set (in comparison to the first moto). He could see the pack of Yamaha riders just ahead of him, and zeroed-in on the likes of Cooper, Deegan, and Kitchen, for what seemed like an endless tunnel of blue machinery. And despite one-hundred percent effort being displayed on his behalf, the number thirty couldn't seem to close the gap (until the final stages) on the number thirty-two who was the next opponent that stood in his way. Though the fight in the final moment(s) was spectacular, with Shimoda leaping through (and attempting to make a final pass) amongst the elevated corner and sand section thereafter...with the smallest of changes in the running order, possibly putting the championship in his hands! However unfortunately, the defense of Cooper was enough to combat the charge of the Kawasaki rider...leaving Shimoda to capture second overall on the evening via four-four scores.

More from GRIT