Jo Shimoda is heading into the new season determined to fight at the front, even as he manages the after-effects of a recent neck injury. The talented 250 class contender has made it clear that his focus is on consistency and building momentum, while still keeping the ultimate goal firmly in sight – the championship.
Shimoda was quick to reassure everyone about his condition heading into the event, insisting that he would not be lining up if he wasn’t ready to race at a high level. “My body is 100% otherwise I wouldn’t be here”, Shimoda stated.
Despite that confidence, the Japanese rider admits there are still some unknowns until he gets through a full race day and sees how everything feels under pressure.
“The plan is to just stay consistent, you know? The 250 class is always up and down, and staying in the first three is pretty important. I mean, unfortunately, I’m coming in off with an injury, but I will just do what I can do, you know? I think I’m capable of doing good. So I will just do my thing, a normal race day and see how my body feels, bike feels. If I feel good enough, I will go for it. If not, I will be happy to leave here on the podium or even a top five. I will just build up to it”
He expanded further on how preparation off the bike has gone well, but acknowledged that race conditions always bring a different challenge.
“My body is 100%, there’s no doubt about that. Otherwise, I wouldn’t even be here. Obviously I’ve been doing a lot of off the bike stuff with my trainer. But, you know, on the bike, even on the race day, you use these different type of muscles. You just kind of have to see how it reacts to it. On the practice track, and the track is easy, but it felt good, so it is good but it just depends”.
Looking beyond just the immediate race, Shimoda made it clear that his mindset hasn’t changed when it comes to the bigger picture for the season and his only goal is to win the championship.
“I mean, that’s the only goal (to win the title). Nothing else, so it would mean a lot to me. Of course, SMX was a crazy, crazy race to end on. But to me, I just go out there and do my thing. I think, you know, I’m good enough to be winning at my 100%, so I just have to perform, and that’s it”.
With a steady approach and confidence in his ability, Shimoda’s plan is simple: build race by race, stay near the front, and push when the moment is right. If everything comes together, he believes he has what it takes to fight for wins – and ultimately the title.
