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final moments, he would eye the checkered flag, knowing he’d built up a five second
gap or so, over the aforementioned Norton for fourth. Hitting the final rhythm sections with a bit of style and relief, he would take the checkered flag knowing he’d done all he could, walking away with a third in the run- off. And then to top this effort, he would be as consistent as they come in the motocross sector of the event. A fifth, fourth, and third overall, had him gleaming with joy as the week would subside (even claiming a heat race win in the process). Solid pieces of hardware, plus recognition from crew and sponsors, would make the trip from Pennsyl- vania worth it, most certainly. He looked to roll into the 2019 season with a full head of momentum.
JO SHIMODA
Take a look across any social media plat- form, and you’ll be quick to spot an ultra-fast Honda prospect, sporting the number 47.
A smooth and technically sound rider with his elbows relaxed and vision forward, he attacks the track with grace, yet fast enough to blister any opponent whom he climbs alongside with on the starting gate. We’re talking about Jo Shimoda, and after terror- izing every amateur national he’s attended so far in the 2018 season, he came into the
Winter Olympics looking to do the same thing. Entered in a variety of classes,
he was constantly on the gate, hoping to take home as much hardware as pos- sible. With a multitude of heat race wins for the initial portion of the week, the “Red Assassin” actually en- countered a bit of trouble throughout the later portion of the SX finale. However, he would put it all together in the 250 Pro Sport class, following one of those illustrious heat race wins we’d previously talked about. Lining up with stellar gate position, he began
to have the 250f scream- ing around the raceway, wheeling up into the far
side anthill and launching off in spectacular fashion. He had his eyes set on the number 352 of Jalek Swoll, as the Husqvarna rider in front acted as a dangling carrot. Each lap, he would chip away little by little, trying his best to hit his marks with every circuit. He couldn’t ever make a mistake, however, as not only
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sound position. The sixth from earlier would turn into fifth, and the fifth into fourth. And with just two laps to go, he would somehow leapfrog his way into the runner up position, nearly on the tail of the lead. The ride would be truly exceptional, and second place had never felt so good. He showed that he could ride a track as technical as this Supercross portion, and hopefully lay a strong foundation as he would work his way into the higher ranks for years to come. Maximo, gathered by friends and family, would be astounded when climbing off the motorcycle. His technique and effort was flawless, and this position for the run-off was truly a cultivation of all the hard work he’d put in throughout the year. Many in his crew were excited to see, just how far he could go as the New Year, and 2019 season was just around the corner. He’s never been one to settle, and we can only imagine just how much work he’s willing to put in, as his quest continues to roll forward.
COLE JONES
If you’ve been following the amateur tour
at all over the past year or so, you’ve most certainly heard the name of Cole Jones throughout talks at any large amateur race you attended. And if, for some reason you haven’t heard, you’ve most definitely seen the number 94 Yamaha attacking the track and railing the corners of each particular raceway he sets foot on. It was the same song and dance as he came into the 2018 Winter Olympics, as the drive from Pennsyl- vania was one of aspirations. He hoped to leave here with numerous strong finishes,
strong with multiple solid heat race finishes. A pair of seconds, would have him sitting pretty as the time for the run-offs would come around, and he would look to put his Yamaha at the front of the field. A ninth to finish his 450 C outing would be solid, but he wanted to truly excel once he climbed aboard the 250, particularly in the 250
C Limited class. Fourth place off the start, he would have to slash and undercut riders of all kinds, never shying away from a block pass if necessary. Using the back brake to square up during the apex of
a corner, he would shoot into third for a
brief portion, yet be overtaken suddenly
by Nicholas Norton. However, anyone who knows Cole, understands he’s willing to fight, and he quickly overtake the number 111 in the laps to follow. Sitting in third as the white flag would come about, it was all he could
do to keep this Yamaha from shooting out
from underneath him. But the pure strength he would carry aboard his machine, gripping the tank with his quads, and strangling the handlebars with absurd forearm strength, al- lowed him to stay atop the bike, despite the conditions becoming very rugged. Following Roberto Burgos and Maximo Caceres in the
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