fbpx

Jo Shimoda Moves Into 2nd Overall with Runner-Up Finish at Budds Creek

Shimoda's start in Moto 1 didn't stick, but he hit off Moto 2 much better.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda raced to a near overall victory for the second straight race after claiming his third moto win of the season at Round 10, giving him enough points from his runner-up finish (3-1) to move into second in the championship battle. The track at Budds Creek MX Park was not for the faint of heart and Cameron McAdoo — in only his second race back — claimed 10th in the first moto to finish 14th overall (10-17). Both Seth Hammaker and Ryder DiFrancesco stayed off the track at Budds Creek to get in some extra recovery from minor injuries suffered during the last round at Unadilla but are targeting Round 11 for their return.

After much talk about rain coming into the area on Saturday, it ultimately stayed dry for the Pro Motocross riders. Shimoda had a good qualifying session to earn third but couldn’t make the start stick once the gate dropped for Moto 1. He came around the opening lap in 11th and had to put in a big charge from the start of the 30 minutes plus two-lap race. Shimoda never backed down, moving into the top five after just six laps, but had to push for the final two spots, ultimately passing into third with two laps to go.

Shimoda’s third in Moto 1 set him up for a good overall finish, and thankfully his start in Moto 2 was much better, coming around the first turn in fourth. He pushed quickly into second by the end of the first lap and set his sights on first. Shimoda remained patient and made a good pass for the lead on Lap 6, never looking back. His 3-1 narrowly missed out on his second-straight overall, but a solid day pushed him into second overall in the title fight.

“I had to put a lot of energy into coming back in the first moto, but I’m happy it came together in the second,” said Shimoda. “I felt like I had to sprint the whole first moto. Justin gave me a good battle for the lead. I was really hoping I had another overall, but moving into second overall is pretty cool for me and the team.”

McAdoo took some time to get comfortable with the southern Maryland track, qualifying 14th. He got a decent jump to start Moto 1, coming around in 15th. He pushed as hard as he could, making it up inside the top-10, but ultimately McAdoo collected 10th. The second moto was not what the Iowan was looking for, starting a tough 34th. He didn’t let that start deter him from riding a solid race and was able to make a good run to the top riders, finishing the long race in the points in 17th.

“For not being able to gel much with the track, I was thankful to grab the top 10 to start the day,” said McAdoo. “Unfortunately the start in Moto 2 was not what I wanted and we were basically last place to start. I really think I rode well considering having to race through the pack, but it was frustrating to not be up racing for a top 10. We’ll get back to work this week and hopefully have a good showing next weekend.”

You May Also Like

Sherco USA Team Up With Reed Christensen for S.C.O.R.E and Best in the Desert

Christensen is the defending champion of the prestigious Mint 400.

Reed Christensen

Sherco USA has teamed up with Reed Christensen of 4 Amigos Racing, who races the Ironman class in both the S.C.O.R.E  and Best in the Desert series. Christensen is the defending champion of the prestigious Mint 400 and was leading the Baja 1000 when a fire destroyed his chase trailer with all of his needed equipment. With that, he went on to finish the race on borrowed tires, lubricants, air filters and goggles. He was one of seven total finishers in the Ironman class.

New Sponsorship Agreement Between Heidenau Tires and Team Obsolete

Heidenau has been producing tires for classic motorcycle sizes for almost 20 years.

Heidenau tires with classic Benelli race motorcycle
R&G to Protect All-New Rahal Ducati Moto Team

The team makes its maiden appearance at Daytona 200 next month.

R&G crash protection engine cover
H-D Factory Race Team Launches for 2024 MotoAmerica Mission King of the Baggers

The 18-race schedule includes a round at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas.

Harley-Davidson Factory Race Team
Suzuki and H.E.P. Motorsports Launch 2024 RM Army Boot Camps

RM Army Boot Camps were launched in 2023 to much acclaim.

RM Army Boot Camp logo

Other Posts

Nothing But Good Vibes at Santa Barbara Motorsports

Santa Barbara Motorsports is working to make every door swing count.

Santa Barbara Motorsports
Transform the Ninja ZX-4R Rear With R&G Tail Tidy

A brand-new Tail Tidy for the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-4R, ZX-4RR and ZX-4RR SE.

R&G Tail Tidy
2025 Kawasaki Jet Ski Ultra 160LX-S Angler

This model is optimized for fishing.

Kawasaki Set Ski Ultra 160LX-S360 Angler
How Michael Maledon Leads the Offense at Elway Powersports

What began with one powersport dealership back in 2021 has now turned into five.