JO SHIMODA - GRIT 255 250SX

GRIT-255 | 250 SX

June 17th, 2024 3:00 pm

Honda's Jo Shimoda was searching for a standout performance thus far in the 2024 MX Championship...and the narrative seemed to align for competition in Pennsylvania. Though the track was muddy, the number thirty was able to put forth a skillset that was in synchronization to the ever-changing terrain...and as he acquired gate choice of twelfth, he and his mechanic had planned to aim for the inside of turn number one, as soon as he leapt from the grate. Immediately shifting into gear as the field sprinted onto the start straightaway, Shimoda was contending within the top-five (i.e. fourth) to begin the first moto...and the Honda athlete was on his way to a strong showing as the narrative unraveled. He would overtake Ryder DiFrancesco rather quickly, and move his way into third after just a few minutes of action. Shimoda was mimicking the flow of both, Ty Masterpool and Chance Hymas after ten minutes had transpired. And near the halfway point, he began to heavily pressure the rear wheel of the Kawasaki rider. Jo was ready for an opportunity that presented itself, however, and the Honda rider took advantage of the mistake by his teammate (Hymas) at the halfway point of the moto - claiming second, just before the finish line. His clutch was being heavily ridden at that time though, with the bike starting to smoke...but Shimoda nullified the problems of the machine, and would hold the second-place position, until just prior to the two-lap board being displayed. Haiden Deegan would then surpass him amid the sloppy conditions near the finish line and though at that point he resided third, he would maintain his output of speed through the sixteenth circuit...garnering the bronze medal for this occasion, while keeping his teammate Chance Hymas, at bay. Shortly thereafter, a strong start for the second moto, would place him within the territory of the top-five realm, after a few circuits of competition. He resided fifth, when surpassing the five-minute mark - and attempted to claw his way toward the rear wheel of Chance Hymas, who was fourth. He was hoping to keep Haiden Deegan (residing sixth) behind him for as long as possible...but the number thirty-eight would surpass him, as Mark Fineis also crashed to the ground - before the conclusion of lap six. In the circuits thereafter, Tom Vialle was the opponent he would try and mimic, in regard to pace. And as the French rider continued to occupy fourth, so too would Jo sustain fifth. All the while, Pierce Brown and Joey Savatgy would trail the Honda rider...but Shimoda's output of power was too elevated to be diminished when nearing the checkered flag. In the end, a solid, fifth-place position was established for the Honda athlete for this moto - equating to fourth overall, in the final standings.

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