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 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.

Share this…

More like this…

Malcolm Stewart talks Salt Lake City podium - 'we had a pretty gnarly battle'

Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing’s Malcolm Stewart rode a great race to earn a career-best finish in the 450 class, crossing the line third at Saturday night’s penultimate round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Marvin Musquin leads Red Bull KTM to a 1-2 podium sweep at Salt Lake City SX

Marvin Musquin led the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing Team to an impressive 1-2 podium sweep on Saturday as he edged out teammate Cooper Webb by 0.326 seconds at Round 16 of the 2021 AMA Supercross Championship in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Salt Lake City Report: Musquin returns to the top in thrilling win - Shimoda grabs historic 250SX win

The Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship made a dramatic return to Rice-Eccles Stadium with a thrilling event at Round 16.