Jo Shimoda is Finding His Form Ahead SMX

Japans, Jo Shimoda of Team Honda HRC has made strides over the past two weekends, showcasing solid performances in the second motos and clinching back-to-back 250MX podium finishes. Known for his mid-season surges in recent years, Jo has consistently progressed from podiums to an overall victory as the season unfolds. Better late than never, right? With the AMA Pro Motocross Championship reaching a critical juncture, Shimoda is hitting his stride ahead of the SuperMotocross World Championship in September.

Before 2024, Jo was on Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki. Bringing home three overall wins in Pro Motocross. In 2022, he was the runner-up in 250MX behind Jett Lawrence, and last year was third overall in the championship points. Then, for the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship, he battled Haiden Deegan to the series finale and the final moto at the LA Coliseum and came up just short, finishing 2nd.

We have to think he is pondering redemption for the SMX World Championship in September for another shot at the $500,000 purse and that covenant title, right? But he has the likes of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing's defending SMX Champion Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Levi Kitchen, the 250SX East Champion Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Tom Vialle, Jo's teammate Chance Hymas, and 250SX West Champion Rockstar Energy Husqvarna's RJ Hampshire to deal with. This SMX title fight for these guys will be one for the ages in 2024. Jo is sitting 4th in the SMX points, leaving RedBud nine points behind Vialle for 3rd and 50 points from Deegan out front.

"I think there are still a little more improvements to make, and I can ride a little faster. We're trying hard," Shimoda remarked after Saturday's RedBud race. "I got taken out in the first corner in moto 1; it was pretty hectic after that, and I just didn't have enough pace. I enjoyed the day though. I'm not from America, but I enjoy this crowd; when you're racing for 30 minutes in this heat, to have that energy around makes a big difference. To get it done and be on the podium is so special."

After Jo took the win in Moto 2 at Southwick one weekend before, team manager Lars Lindstrom stated, "I f it weren't for that first-moto first-turn crash, he could've been a threat for the overall win."

By Jo stating, "Still a little more improvements to make (on the bike), and I can ride a little faster," that's a good insight that he has more speed in the tank. We can't disregard his 250SX West win in Denver this past May. If he can fine-tune the bike, exiting this summer and into September, he could be right up there again, just like the previous year.

Transitioning to a new machine at Honda has brought its share of challenges for Shimoda, including adjusting to a different environment, team dynamics, and even the nuances of a new front fender. These changes can be particularly demanding for a rider accustomed to a consistent setup over several years. Despite these hurdles, Shimoda has started to adapt to the new bike and is steadily improving.

He and the team refine their strategy with each race and dial in the setup to maximize his performance. With winning the Denver Supercross on the red bike and, as of late, his second moto's outdoors has been great, he is starting to hit form. Can he stay out of the chaos in the first turn for the first motos moving forward to claim his first overall win in Pro Motocross with Team Honda HRC in 2024? Will he be a threat for the 250SMX title again in September?