Japanese talent travelled to Europe recently to race the Paris Supercross – an event he won in 2023 so he was back with the number one plate. Something he is searching for in America as he is chasing an AMA title in Supercross and/or Motocross.
We caught up with Shimoda before the event in Paris to discuss some topics which you can read, listen to or watch below…
GateDrop: Jo, you made your Paris Supercross debut last year, you must have obviously enjoyed it because you’re back again this year and last year couldn’t have went much better because you got the win and you’re wearing the number one plate this year.
Shimoda: Yeah, I mean just coming to Paris in general is fun for me and yeah, I mean obviously the win was cool last year but just this whole event you know, the promotor just takes care of it really cool and it makes the riders job really easy. We just land from airport and get transport to the hotel and to the track. Everything is smooth and cool so that’s why I love it.
GateDrop: Obviously you do most of your racing in America, what’s it like travelling and seeing a different country and also racing against different riders you might not usually race against?
Shimoda: Yeah I mean it’s a little different, you know. I mean the track design’s different, starts are a little different but you know I like to challenge myself and adapting to stuff. It’s a fun race for me.
GateDrop: Have you raced much obviously apart from Japan and America have you done much racing outside there? I think you raced the Junior World Championship back in Bulgaria.
Shimoda: Yeah.
GateDrop: Do you remember much about that day and what it was like racing there?
Shimoda: Yeah just the race there and yeah the mini worlds you know. I like going to different places yeah.
GateDrop: Do you remember racing in Bulgaria specifically? I think that day you were racing against Rene Hofer who unfortunately isn’t with us anymore. I think you won one moto and he won one moto as well from memory…
Shimoda: I was winning one moto and I got a puncture. The second moto, good start I was just right behind him so finished second but it was a close race but yeah, whatever.
GateDrop: Just on your American career how’s it all going, are you happy? Obviously coming from Japan it’s not easy but you’ve got a factory ride now so you must be buzzing with that…
Shimoda: Yeah, I mean it’s always a challenge for me you know just with the language. You know getting along with people now we have a new team behind me. There’s a lot of different stuff around always changing and you have to always think and make the right decisions. It’s not easy but I mean as you get older it gets easier, you know.
GateDrop: Obviously you’ve won plenty of races, you’ve got plenty of podiums, what do you think is maybe missing to win a championship that’s all you really need to do now?
Shimoda: I’m still trying to figure it out but yeah we’ll make it happen.
GateDrop: What’s it like racing against Deegan and Vialle, are you enjoying that? I think you three are probably the best in the 250cc riders at the moment?
Shimoda: You know whoever the competition is I take every race and I treat it the same way so it doesn’t matter who’s on the gate.
GateDrop: I think you were back in Japan recently, is that right?
Shimoda: Yeah.
GateDrop: Was it nice being back in Japan and did you race there or were you just there visiting?
Shimoda: I just I raced there once but mostly for visiting.
GateDrop: Perfect, thank you very much for your time and all the best.
