JO SHIMODA - GRIT 253 250SX

GRIT-253 | 250 SX

June 5th, 2024 3:30 pm

Honda's Jo Shimoda was looking to build his outdoor resumé for the 2024 season...and quickly, with series leaders Haiden Deegan and Levi Kitchen looking to break away from the pack. However, Shimoda's speed in practice would have to be realized by the pack around him - with the rider out of Japan remaining polished despited the rough circuit in qualification. As moto one began, the athlete aboard the number thirty machine acquired the twelfth-place standing while immediately looking to infiltrate the top-ten. Scrubbing his way over the newfound singles and ant-hills that were placed around the track, Shimoda was clearly putting his all into making passes and trying differing lines. He was unorthodox at times, sweeping across ruts at an angle...but he was making it work - and began to present heavy pressure to that of Julien Beaumer when entering the halfway point of the moto. The KTM rider had gotten off to a strong start, but was beginning to lapse a bit with speed and Shimoda was seeking to compromise. Flying over the largest uphill triple on the circuit, his chassis would plant in the left-handed corner thereafter before bouncing amongst takeoff after takeoff in the amplified roller section thereafter. This track was demanding, but Shimoda wasn't going to put forth anything less than his best effort when nearing the moto's conclusion. Jo would eventually overtake Julien, but also was passed by Ty Masterpool and Pierce Brown in the final stages...resulting in a finish of seventh at the checkered flag. For round two, his starting position (of seventh) was much better - and allowed for a higher pace of sorts, to be garnered with a relatively clear racetrack. He was calculated when weaving amongst the array of braking bumps that preceded every corner on the track, hopping (at times) when applicable lips were in front of him in order to leap over the largest pot-holes and kickers that had formed by this latter afternoon showcase. Though passed by Tom Vialle in the initial stages, he would follow the former champion around Julien Beaumer, Jalek Swoll, and Ty Masterpool, to occupy fifth by the twelfth lap. This allowed him to try and mimic the pace of his teammate, Chance Hymas, when nearing the final seven minutes of action. Doing his best to track-down the Idaho native, Shimoda's line selection when flying atop the initial uphill was spectacular...but it was just less than what was needed for Jo to overtake the fellow Honda rider. Nevertheless, the number thirty resided fifth at the checkered flag - occupying fifth overall, as well, for the second round of the series.

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