Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Jo Shimoda’s sixth-place finish at the final round of Monster Energy Supercross on Saturday in Salt Lake City was enough to maintain his target of securing second place overall in the 250SX East championship.

Shimoda’s sophomore season didn’t get off to the best start, but consistency and a solid back half of the year saw him rise through the pack late in the season.

The young rider from Suzuka, Japan managed a top-five in all but one of the nine races in the 2021 season, securing his career-first podium at Indianapolis 1, following it up with a second at Indianapolis 3, and eventually taking an impressive wire-to-wire victory in Salt Lake City 1.

Coming into the final round sitting second in the standings, Shimoda’s target was to secure the runner-up spot which he was able to do with a sixth-place finish on the night.

“I know I have the speed to compete with the lead riders and I would’ve loved to be battling with the top-3 guys in the main event, but a poor start forced me to work my way through the pack,” Shimoda explained.

“I still managed to finish high enough in the race to maintain second overall in the 250SX East points standings, which was the goal for today.”

Shimoda was happy with what many would consider to be a breakout season for him and is excited to get the Pro Motocross season underway. He’ll look to better his best finish of fifth place that came in the final round of the series at Fox Raceway in October.

“It was a great season for me,” he continued. “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.”