Jo Shimoda takes wire-to-wire win in Salt Lake City
By Press Release on 26th Apr 21
AMA Supercross Salt Lake City Jo Shimoda
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasakis Jo Shimoda rode to his first professional win during the return of the Eastern Regional 250SX class at the series penultimate round inside Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The wire-to-wire win was the third career-first victory the team has enjoyed this season (Cameron McAdoo - Daytona, Seth Hammaker - Arlington). The win also elevated him to second place in the championship standings keeping alive Pro Circuit's hopes of another 250 title.
There was no rust that Shimoda needed to shake off after 10 weeks away from racing, looking comfortable on the tricky track right away.
He grabbed second in his heat race and earned a great gate pick for the Main Event. When the gate dropped, it was Shimodas green Kawasaki KX250 that led the field around the first turn as he earned his first holeshot and started to pull away from the rest of the field.
Shimoda held off challenges from multiple riders throughout the race and crossed the finish line as a supercross winner. "This is a dream come true for me," said Shimoda.
Jo Shimoda
"When I came to the U.S. I had to leave some of my family back in Japan and it was really hard at first. To be standing on top of the podium is awesome. Im so thankful for all the people that helped me in my journey. I still cant believe it."
Video: Salt Lake City 250 Main Highlights 2021
The final race returns to Salt Lake City on Saturday, May 1, and will be broadcast LIVE at 10:00 p.m. ET on Peacock and NBC Sports.
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