Jo Shimoda on “another solid day”
In the 250SX class, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Shimoda proved he can remain consistent despite challenging track conditions, clocking the fourth-fastest time in overall qualifying aboard his KX™250.
Once the gate dropped for the first 250SX heat race, Shimoda found himself in second place behind the current 250SX Eastern Regional points leader. Shimoda rode to a second place finish and was the first 250SX rider to triple out of the final rhythm section before the finish line jump.
As the field lined up for the 250SX Main Event, the stage was set for Shimoda to have another solid night. When the gate dropped, the No. 30 machine launched out to a sixth place start before moving into fifth during the opening laps. As the main event progressed, the rider from Japan engaged in a three-way battle for fourth position. Determined to make the pass, Shimoda uncorked an impressive triple at the end of the rhythm section before Turn 3 to move into fourth. From there, Shimoda charged towards third, but ran out of time finishing the race in fourth.
Saturday’s fourth place result is Shimoda’s seventh top-5 finish this season and keeps the No. 30 KX250 rider third in points for the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship. Shimoda passes the torch to his 250SX teammates of Cameron McAdoo, Jordon Smith, and Seth Hammaker who will all look to make their 2021 season debut next weekend in Florida as the series shifts to the 250SX Western Regional Championship.
Jo Shimoda: We had another solid day today as a team. Track conditions were rough at the start, but I had no issues finding traction and qualified in fourth aboard my KX250. I finished my heat race in second, which I’m happy about. The main event didn’t go as planned as I started in sixth, and by the time I made the pass for fourth, the gap to third was too much for me to overcome. We will take the next few weeks to continue improving on the little things that will help put us at the top step of the podium when we return to racing in late April. I want to wish all of my Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki teammates the best of luck next weekend. I will be cheering them on from home!
Words and pic: Kawasaki
