Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda attributed improving ‘little things on everything’ as a key factor in landing his first podium of the year at Glendale’s Triple Crown.

Shimoda, 19, went 5-3-3 during round five’s night show, ending the event in third overall and scoring his strongest finish so far of 2022 Monster Energy Supercross.

“Today my was goal was to just stay clean, I did get into troubles, but all I did.. nothing really crazy,” Shimoda explained. “I wasn’t really fast but wasn’t slow either and kind of just did my thing.

“You can’t really change anything that’s really huge – just cleaning up the mistakes or small line choices. Maybe a start. Little things on everything, that’s what we are working on right now.

“It feels good to be back on the podium. I’ve put so much time and effort into my training that I know I should be up here every weekend but there are still some small things to work on for me.

“Racing three main events for the first time in two years was a challenge, but with the support from everyone at Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki I was able to keep the mistakes to a minimum this weekend and get back on the box. I hope this is the start of a podium streak for us.”

Shimoda has experienced a fair share of misfortune throughout the 250SX West season so far, however, through the adversity he is now fourth in the points heading into round six this Saturday at Anaheim 3.