JO SHIMODA - GRIT 246 250SX

GRIT-246 |250 SX

May 20, 2024 9:45 am

Honda's Jo Shimoda put forth a phenomenal showing while stationed in Washington last week. It was as if, the athlete aboard the number thirty machine was beginning to initiate a commendable streak of results in the 250cc West Coast SX series. His speed in qualifying for the St. Louis round was applauded by many in the crowd, and translated to a confident upshift across the start straightaway to begin the opening trek of the night show. Battling for that of the first place position, he would be quickly overtaken by Julien Beaumer and Levi Kitchen. Now third, he was hounding the rear wheel of the KTM athlete for a good portion of time, before just over three minutes remained and the racer from Japan was able to solidify a pass on the KTM racer (i.e. Beaumer). Once into the runner-up residency, there was little that could stand in the way of the Honda rider. Carving through the course with fluidity, his gap (over Jordon Smith and RJ Hampshire) was more than sufficient to secure second overall as the dust settled for main event one. Once settling into a position of third for the following main event (while keeping Nate Thrasher and RJ Hampshire at bay) Shimoda was doing everything he could to both, defend the third-place position from the Honda rider while also trying to nullify the gap of Jordon Smith who stood second. But the North Carolina native was too much for Shimoda to actually overtake, leaving Shimoda in a final result of third as he exited the raceway. For round three, Jo quickly advanced into a standing of third, while RJ Hampshire resided second and Kitchen sustained the lead. Shimoda, knowing the implications of staying consistent throughout all three moto's, remained vigilant as the track constantly decayed around him. Through the first quarter, and halfway point(s) of the latter portion of competition, the Honda athlete continued to press forward...but knew that overriding the rutted surface could result in serious consequences. Therefore after a roughly five-second gap was created (between he and Hampshire) Shimoda focused on defending his (current) third place position from Jordon Smith...which he did, until the checkered flag was thrown. With a box score that was comprised of two, three, and three, Shimoda's residency in St. Louis was one that reflected hard work and incredible grit for a tremendous second overall standing.

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