The countdown to the start of the 2024 SuperMotocross Championship is on, with expectations running high for both Jo Shimoda and Aaron Plessinger, two of the sport's top contenders. Their paths to success have been marked by thrilling victories, disappointing injuries, and formidable competition from their peers.
Jo Shimoda entered the 2024 season with significant pressure, tasked with building on the remarkable achievements of Team Honda HRC from the previous year. The team had swept the Supercross championships, with Hunter Lawrence claiming the 250 East division title, his brother Jett Lawrence winning the West, and Chase Sexton dominating the 450 class. It was a historic accomplishment, and the only thing Shimoda could aim for was to replicate this success.
After marking his territory as the primary challenger last season, Shimoda was widely seen as capable of lofty expectations, especially following his strong 2023 showing, where he finished third overall in Pro Motocross and second in the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship. He began the previous season with fireworks, securing his first Supercross victory at the zMax Dragway, and continued to impress by scoring multiple podiums throughout the competitions. Despite being edged out by Haiden Deegan, who won the championship by just five points, Shimoda's consistency was evident, finishing with the best result of fourth on three occasions against Deegan's two fifth-place finishes.
Shimoda's 2024 Monster Energy Supercross campaign started under less-than-ideal conditions. After narrowly missing the podium at the season opener at Angel Stadium with a fourth-place finish and facing challenges from crashes during races held under muddy conditions, he worked hard to regain momentum. His results steadily improved, and he turned his performance around with third-place finishes at Glendale, Arizona, and Seattle, Washington, before earning second at both St. Louis and Nashville.
Finally, after overcoming early season jitters, Shimoda clinched his first Supercross victory of the season, besting Levi Kitchen at the 250 West division penultimate round. Wrapping up with consistent results, he finished fourth overall in the SuperMotocross playoffs, even though his season ended without earning any championships.
Aaron Plessinger's story only adds to the excitement of the upcoming SuperMotocross season. The Red Bull KTM rider was celebrated for his historic first 450 class victory at San Diego, where he showcased resilience and determination, even after overcoming injuries from earlier rounds. Plessinger, who rose through the ranks by earning Rookie of the Year honors upon entering professional racing, has marked his presence with impressive performances over the years. Nonetheless, the last few seasons with KTM have seen steadily increasing success, pushing him to consistently improve his standings across various motorsport competitions.
Despite his excellent run, including six podium finishes and consistently finishing within the top 10, Plessinger encountered setbacks, leading to questions surrounding his performance and future. His stats reflected considerable accomplishments: integrating numerous top finishes, including his noteworthy victory at San Diego, but he also faced struggles due to injuries, limiting his Supercross appearances post-Round 13. Even so, he finished off the 2024 season with confidence through competent performances during the SuperMotocross playoffs, where he clocked eighth at zMax Dragway and fourth at the season finale in Las Vegas.
Looking forward, Shimoda and Plessinger's journeys are ripe with the anticipation of upcoming races as they aim for podium success entering the 2025 season. Both riders need to secure podium finishes early to build the necessary momentum and contend for championship victories. With their impressive histories and encouraging trajectories, there is no telling how these riders will fare.
Interestingly, amid the shifting dynamics within teams and the sport itself, many are optimistic about the developments surrounding KTM and what could play out for Plessinger's future within the ranks. His recently signed one-year extension with Red Bull KTM sets the stage, but he now faces pressure to secure more victories to challenge for SuperMotocross championships effectively.
The thrill of the SuperMotocross Championship not only stems from the prospect of athletes overcoming physical obstacles but also from their personal growth and the determination to succeed at every level.
Whether either Shimoda or Plessinger will rise as champions remains to be seen, but what is clear is each rider's commitment to the sport and their drive to outpace the competition, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying championship series.