Jo Shimoda woes and the PC black cloud

I could be completely wrong here but it seems like those KX250s are needing to be revved out quite a bit to make power, where the Yamahas and Hondas make more in the mid range for 250s. I feel like that somewhat clashes with Jo’s preferred style of riding. Also remember last year around high point time Hunter and Jett were walking away from him, but later in the year the dynamic shifted pretty dramatically 

Current chassis isn't as good which doesn't help, but I can see Joe being so much better at HRC

As a joe fan I just don’t see any aggression from him.  

Joe just came back from injury right? Did he even ride SX?

Survival mode, fulfill current contract obligations.  New contract, new bike/team, new/old Jo.  He's being a gentleman, less said, better mended.  Big fan of his, next season will be damn fun to watch.....

James said it best, what separates joe from the top guys right now is his ability to make passes early in the race. If him and Hunta start in 13th and 14th - Hunta has moved up to 7th in a couple laps and Joe maybe is in 11th. He is getting podiums due to his fitness and speed late in the race, but he won’t be contending for wins unless he hole shots or figures out how to be more aggro. 

Give him a chance, he just got back to it.

As a HUGE Jo fan, I sort of agree with this. He has the aggression coming through the pack, he just doesn’t have the starts. The bike isn’t holding him back, because it’s the same bike he ripped on last year…it’s the starts (and consistency moto to moto) that he hasn’t delivered on. 

I feel like he just lacks confidence to be aggressive and send it. Last year, when he didn't get a start, he'd almost be guaranteed to at least get a podium (Red Bud Moto 2, Millville Moto 1, Budds Creek Moto 1, etc.), and when he did get a start, he'd win or get 2nd because of how aggressive he was and his willingness to push for that extra 1% speed. This year, whether or not he gets a start, he either lacks the speed (High Point Moto 2 he started in front of Hunter, but Hunter won whereas he only got 3rd) or makes too many mistakes and crashes (Pala Moto 1, Thunder Valley Moto 2, High Point Moto 1). That too, when he doesn't get a start his lack of confidence may explain why he is not as willing to send it to get a pass resulting in him getting stuck behind riders (High Point Moto 1 comparing his progression up the pack compared to Hunter's) or just getting cut off by other riders off the start because he isn't willing to bang bars (Pala Moto 2 by Vialle, Thunder Valley Moto 1 by Kitchen).

lawrence bros and shimoda with chance coming up is a power house team for the future of HRC

I don’t see how anyone can blame the bike when the last two years when he was better was the same team and the 23 is unanimously an improvement. 

Eh.. i think its just circumstance. Alot of fast guys in the class seemingly having a bit of the same issues.  He's rode his balls off to come from the back a couple times, but has just lacked that one good start to build that base. He almost got it at highpoint,  but would up on the ground. He'll figure it out.  

Yeah no for sure. The triple clamps are what's holding Shimoda back.

Shimoda isn't lacking speed, he had the fastest lap during the races last week. With his new found speed he's lost the consistency he used to have. I'm sure it'll come around. 

His results are almost identical to last year.

The first 4 rounds he was OK. A couple podiums. No wins. And 50 points back from the series leader.

It was redbud last year his results started to improve.

Maybe he doesn't like those other tracks. And prefers a sandy base. 

it was bars that Pulp Brought up on pulp,  Mitch has always insisted handlebars have cross bars, but has relented this year and let the riders run fat bars, 

^^^ this plus he’s coming off injury. I’ll be surprised if Jo’s speed and results haven’t improved by the second half of the season, 

Pro Circuit needs to move their headquarters, training and development to the East Coast. They are falling behind. 

Jo will be fine, just needs a little time.

He seems to be having his share of set backs and rebuilding periods lately but we've seen what he's capable of and he's a good kid and a hard worker.

Have faith 🙂

I think he's a little PC'd out, if you ask me. He might need some change of team color/scenery to refreshen his attitude. 

That is a strong rumor.

ive heard its the bikes ..both him and ryder d havent been happy with the bikes.neither one has raced much this year maybe they need more time to get the bikes right

Its a done deal