Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki press release:

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Seth Hammaker was awarded the AMA Rookie of the Year for the 250 Class as Monster Energy Supercross closed out its season with the highly anticipated East/West Shootout at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The rookie had a solid night, finishing the main event in fifth. Just ahead of him in the results was Western Region teammate, Cameron McAdoo who finished just off the podium in fourth, while last week’s Eastern Region winner Jo Shimoda closed out the season finishing sixth.

McAdoo took full advantage of the two weeks he had off from racing to focus on rehabbing injuries he sustained in Atlanta. With a partially torn groin, McAdoo endured the pain and won his heat race. In the main event, he got a great start to come around in fifth. He would eventually climb as high as third but would settle for fourth when the checkered flag came out. McAdoo ended up third in the Western Regional 250SX championship points.

“It’s been a crazy year filled with so many emotions,” said McAdoo. “I haven’t been able to ride much over the past two weeks as I’ve focused on my rehab to get through this final race and be ready for outdoors, so all things considered it was a decent night. I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped me out this year. It was a memorable year with the first win and being in the championship hunt. I can’t wait to take what we’ve learned and build off of it.”

Newly crowned Rookie of the Year showcased his young talent all season long and once again placed himself in good position in the main event. Hammaker came around the first turn in second and maintained the position for six laps before going back to fourth. His teammate would eventually get by him, placing him fifth on the night and fourth overall in the Western Regional 250SX Class.

“I’m super excited to be awarded the rookie of the year,” said Hammaker. “It means a lot to me and I put in a lot of hard work this season. I’m happy to see it pay off. It has been an awesome rookie season and I can say that I’ve learned a lot. Whether it was good or bad, I’ll take my experience into next year to fight for the championship.”

Coming off an incredible win last weekend in Salt Lake City, Shimoda had the confidence to know he was capable of racing at the front. He had a great heat race but wasn’t able to get his usual good start in the main, coming around the first lap in 10th. He wasn’t going to be counted out and made great passes to eventually get up to just a few seconds behind his teammate Hammaker for sixth on the night. Shimoda closed out the Eastern Regional 250SX as the runner up in second.

“It was a great season for me,” said Shimoda. “I got my very first podium and then was able to get the first win. I’m so thankful to the team for giving me this opportunity. I came on a little later in the off-season, so to turn out a good year is a good feeling. I can’t wait to make the transition to the outdoors.”