JO SHIMODA - GRIT 245 250SX

GRIT-245 |250 SX

May 20, 2024 9:45 am

Returning from the break in competition, Honda's Jo Shimoda seemed willing to engage in the fastest of speeds, regardless of how the terrain fared in Seattle. Amongst qualification times, the rider from Japan seemed extraordinary on the roughened circuit - adapting to the ruts and slick, muddy conditions while scrubbing over the finish line and largest "SX" double the course had to offer. He embodied confidence that couldn't be forged, and it was a catalyst of sorts, as he barreled into turn number one of heat racing action. Taking the lead while being pursued by Yamaha's Jordon Smith, Shimoda remained composed under pressure. Standing atop the highest outside lines while standing atop the foot-pegs, his rolling speed was hard to replicate by any member of the competition....even if he didn't necessarily appear as bold or flashy on the motorcycle while at this stage of the night show. Through the first eight-laps, he combatted multiple charges that Smith would put forth. It seemed as if Shimoda had the win wrapped-up per se, until a final run through the rhythm lane of endless mirroring singles would unfortunately force him to the ground! A slight cross-rutting instance had him veering to the right, and falling into the tuff-blocks that were alongside the course...enabling Smith to take reign of the field. The remount to the motorcycle's original state would be quite troublesome as well, where Shimoda actually slipped when trying to regain his footing on the chassis. However, as all was said and done, his lead over third place was ample enough for him to reside second; generating a strong gate choice for the main event. After residing around the top-five position(s) for the first five minutes (or so) of action, Shimoda would undergo a slight crash of sorts in a rhythm lane. This derailed his aspirations to eighth, where he was behind Garrett Marchbanks. Rather quietly though, Shimoda began to match the pace of the ClubMX Yamaha rider. When Marchbanks moved forward, so too would Jo - which resulted in a series of passes being made, just before the final third of the moto. Shimoda would overtake Michael Mosiman and Julien Beaumer, to clinch sixth with Nate Thrasher now ahead. Passing Thrasher, along with managing to overtake Garrett Marchbanks somehow (in the final stages) the speed of Shimoda was unbelievable! He also inherited another position with Jordon Smith crashing, putting him in third-place with little time remaining. The Honda rider ultimately resided here, proving that his skillset was elite amongst this stacked roster of riders.

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