MMF

Video credit: Feld Entertainment

Honda HRC Rider Jo Shimoda shining bright in America is an understatement. He is the only pure-blooded Asian in Anaheim 2 Monster Energy Supercross. Born and raised in Japan, Jo is arguably the best rider the East has ever produced. So being Asians ourselves, we’ve always rooted for him. We saw him last August 2023 at Loretta Lynn Ranch when our very own girl rider, Shana Tamayo, qualified in the Girls 11–16 Class. He was so nice and quiet. A man of few words but genuinely nice. So the first rider we went to check out in Anaheim 2 Supercross is Jo.

The moment we arrived at Angel’s Stadium, we proceeded to fall in line at the Honda Paddock for autograph signing. We were unfortunate to not make the cut; we were just three slots short, but Jo insisted on going beyond the cut. He and Chance Hymas accommodated some really determined fans like us. Well, we didn’t spend a lot and travel from the Philippines to not do our best to have the best experience. When the Lawrence brothers already left their post, Chance and Jo (1:40 p.m.) were still there, but the difference between the two is that Jo has a 2:05 p.m. “250SX Group A Qualifying” schedule to attend to while Chance has time because he is signed up for the East Coast. The Lawrence brothers “450SX Group Qualifying A is still at 2:20 p.m., but they need to get back to work and probably watch tapes to know what line or rhythm section combination Rockstar Husqvarna rider Malcolm Stewart is doing to hold onto the fastest qualifier spot after the first two qualifying. So it is totally understandable for them to not extend their time with fans.

Jo did well in the races, except that he had mediocre starts in all three races! But each time he climbs from behind the pack and passes riders like it was easy to do on a “hard to pass” technical supercross track. If it weren’t for his collision with Monster Energy Yamaha rider Jordon Smith, where he received the short end of the stick and crashed, he could have finished inside the podium, or that momentum could have mentally given him an edge with confidence, hence getting better starts in the next two races. He might not have finished inside the podium yet this year, but he sure did make an impact with us for his kind gesture.

What Jo Shimoda did to us was genuine, coming from the culture he grew up in. Asian culture is rooted in protecting one’s honor instead of fame. Money and fame are just means or vehicles to receive what true riches are, and that’s to receive “honor.” This is the root of Asian culture that is missing in today’s Western society. So, Jo, we wish you only the best in your time here in the US, racing at the highest level of Supercross racing, representing the Asian continent region and culture, and shining bright like the stars in heaven.