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His results haven’t really told the story of how well he has been riding, he is pretty damn solid so far.
He’s my pick for the title, I just don’t see anyone else being consistent enough, and Jo comes on strong late in the motos and late in the season
Some of us want to see him win a championship. Being in the 250 class is his only realistic way to do that. He’s very good, but not 450 championship good. If he wins the 250 title this year then I’d agree he should move up. He doesn’t want to be known as the guy who was always right there, but could never get the job done, even in the 250 class.
I hear your point, and I'm not seeking appeasement by Jo Shimoda lol, I just think that his skill and ability is better suited to the big bike. He's been in the 250 class for a long long time now. I hope he wins this ship, I'm always rooting for the guy, but the 250 class has just been a quagmire for him. I'd venture to say he's never truly battled for a 250 title. And I think that battling for podiums in the premier class is more worth while than banging your head against the wall in the 250 class where he's only shown inconsistency and inability to string together a full season worth of good finishes. But it sure would be great to see him start winning some motos and follow it up with a good supercross season. Then he can win a ship or two and move up and make us both happy 😂
My guess is 250 wins and championship pays a little more the top 10 in 450
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Come on. For a guy who always has himself on a pedestal on here and proclaims he's smarter than everyone else here can understand what I'm saying. Not every rider needs to win a 250 title to move up but I think you are smart enough to understand that SHIMODA would benefit massively by winning a title. Not every rider!!! But Joe yes. For his growth, income, and future. If it doesn't happen in the next few years, then it's time to move up. Stop being so obtuse . heh
Who had the best "450" (including 250 stroke) career without winning a "250" (or 125) SX or MX championship? Minimum 30 races in the 250 class, so not counting a guy like Stanton, who skipped the 125 class. Or LaRocco who only raced a handful of 125.
Is it Larry Ward?
Definitely could have a Marv like career on 450. Has similar smooth, throttle control style. Wouldn’t turn down another 250 contract but shouldn’t be afraid to move up if the right opportunity presents itself.
I could be wrong, but I think Kiedrowski and Bradshaw are two guys that won premier class championships but never lites class championships. Did Jeff Emig ever win a lites class championship?
I’m sure there may be someone more decorated but Andrew Short is usually the first that pops to mind. Cole Seely was good too, albeit he was only in the 450 class for 5 years
Kiedrowski had two 125 MX championships. Bradshaw had a 125 SX championship, but no premier championships. Emig had a 125 MX.
I like Kiedrowski's run from 1991-1993:
1991 125 MX Champ
1992 500 MX Champ
1993 250 MX Champ
3 years - 3 different MX championships. I think he's the only one to do that. I think Ward is the only other one who even won all 3 championships.
It's close, but I think Larry Ward probably had a better 450 career than Short. (I wasn't following the sport closely at that time.) It looks like Ward was better at SX than Short. But Short was better at MX. I think Ward had 2 more career 450 podiums and 2 more wins (SX + MX) than Short.
Wardy’s the only rider to win every AMA title he was eligible for; 125 MX, 250 MX, 250 SX, 500MX & MXdN (on a 125, 250 and 500).
As for Jo on a 450, if he wins the title this year, he should do 250SX next year, then move up next summer. I’ve seen him ride a 450 in person twice, and it definitely fits his style of precise throttle control better than a 250 does.
At this point in Jo’s career, I don’t see him being a contender on a 450.
Could see a 3 man 450 team with Shimoda esp since Honda Would love a Japanese rider there.
I think Cole Davies would be a great fit in the team to replace Jo/Chance.... but not sure how long he potentially has left in the 250 class
Jo is the only rider Honda would make room for a 3rd guy.
HRC backed Quadlock 450.
I am a fan of Jo, but I am not convinced that he could manhandle a 450 for 22 moto’s without pile driving himself into the ground. I also don’t believe Honda will make room for a 3 man 450 team. Chance will get cut loose at the end of the season, and Honda will …..let Jo leave at the last bell on his contract. Bummer to say, but unless one of the Lawrence Brothers gets a career ending injury, the seats are all filled over at HRC. Just my opinion.
I’d honestly concede Ward was the better racer, I have a PNW bias but he also finished on the top step in the McGrath era, a rare feat
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Unless Honda Japan want American Honda to retain Jo, there is really no benefit to keeping a 3rd contender on the off-chance 2 of your 450 guys get hurt. I would think Kawi might be keen to chase him.
JM. Bayle won the 250SX, 250MX, and 500MX title in the same year.
JMB achieved his goal of winning everything, then left on a high.
If I wanted the world's worst team manager, this is where I'd post the job opportunity.
Manhandle a 450 without piledriving himself?
Jo is one of the smoothest, most controlled riders in the whole field.
And while we've got Deegs and RJ succeeding on 450s, no less...
Still cool, but that's different. Bayle won 3 championships in one year.
You can't also forget that Jo is (already) the most successful Japanese motocrosser ever, so Honda is unlikely to let their native son change brands simply due to funding concerns. Just last year he was recognized in the same awards banquet as world series MVP Yamamoto, so he already has a pretty significant profile. I could see them pulling on strings to make it work, that other riders simply don't have access to.
He’s coming off injury, but he hasn’t shown anything that denotes he deserves to be on a 450.
Before y’all try to scalp me, the entire 250 class is pretty underwhelming. Trying to pick a 250 podium is like eating gas station sushi.
He is 24.
He isnt a kid.
Finally won a title at his 15th attempt , and that was a 3 rounder with comedy points.
How long do we give him?
Until he's ready. Or when he feels he's ready. And you of all people know this.
At 24, if you arent ready, you never will be.
Dont get me wrong, i like Jo, and he is a good rider, and i was happy for him to win his SMX title especially in those circumstances, but with his MXoN 450 form, and relative lack of success on a 250, year on year, you have to ask what it is going to take to be 'ready' .
In the same period, Tom Vialle won 2 MX World Championships, 2 SX Championships and went home to a Factory 450 ride.
If he had been on the 450 the last 2 seasons, he would have been a player with Jett out twice.
So going by what you just said he's not ready. And I agree. He gets the experience of winning a 250 title then he can try and move up. But do you think HRC will do this for a 3rd 450 spot just yet? Probably not. I think the chance of winning a few 250 titles is more important than have a 3rd 450. And with lack of rides in the 450 class with the field the way it is I just don't see the point. I would put Kitchen in this scenario as well
You really think Vialle would have been at the top of the 450 field the two season's Jett was out. Come on!! Massive respect for what Vialle did over here and he's getting it together back in MXGP. Kind of helps the argument of when it's time to move up.
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