Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki Races with Intensity as Shimoda Takes Fourth at Hangtown

2022-06-09 12:57
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda narrowly missed a second consecutive podium at Pro Motocross’ second stop of the season held at Hangtown MX, finishing fourth overall (5-4). The famed circuit was tough as usual with teammate Seth Hammaker learning the track for the first time, coming away with seventh overall (8-8). Austin Forkner and Cameron McAdoo both sat out the round with injuries.
Coming off an impressive opening round podium, Shimoda carried more confidence than ever into Round 2. He started the day qualifying seventh and immediately put his speed to use after coming around in 11th during the opening lap of the first moto. It took Shimoda some time to adjust to the track conditions, but once he found a groove he was picking off riders and made it up to fifth before the checkered flag.

In Moto 2, he took advantage of a great start in fifth and quickly moved into fourth on Lap 2. He pressured third for a few laps before overtaking and was on the move to catch second, which he did on Lap 10. As Shimoda closed in on the leader, he made a small mistake that sent him down, but he quickly remounted to come across the finish line in fourth, giving him fourth overall.
“While fourth overall is good, it is a bummer because I was riding in a spot that would have landed me on the podium,” said Shimoda. “When I get the good start, I’m able to use my energy to push at the front and I felt really good that second moto. Overall it was a positive day and I want more at the next round.”
In his first outing at Hangtown, Hammaker started the day getting used to the track and while he qualified eighth, was showing signs of improvement every time he went out. The first moto saw Hammaker get a great start in fourth and maintained that spot for the first quarter of the race before sliding back to eighth where he ended the race.

Hammaker had a little trouble at the start of Moto 2, coming together with another rider and going down off the start, placing him 25th after the first lap. He put in a great ride to make it up to 12th by the fifth lap and kept pushing until the end to match his opening moto finish of eighth to score seventh overall.
“It was fun getting to know Hangtown and I really enjoyed racing here,” said Hammaker. “I didn’t ride great in the first moto, but the second moto felt much better even after I went down. I’ll be working on those starts and a little more intensity so I can really go after a podium finish.”
To find out more about Pro Circuit products, visit www.procircuit.com. Don’t forget to follow the Pro Circuit race team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the handle @pcraceteam.

250MX Class Overall Results - HANGTOWN CLASSIC

Jett Lawrence (Honda), 3-1
Justin Cooper (Yamaha), 2-3
Hunter Lawrence (Honda), 4-2
Jo Shimoda (Kawasaki), 5-4
Max Vohland (KTM), 7-5
Levi Kitchen (Yamaha), 6-6
Seth Hammaker (Kawasaki), 8-8
Michael Mosiman (GasGas), 1-39
Stilez Robertson (Husqvarna), 11-7
Nick Romano (Yamaha), 10-9

250MX Class Points Standings

Jett Lawrence (Honda), 95
Hunter Lawrence (Honda), 84
Jo Shimoda (Kawasaki), 72
Justin Cooper (Yamaha), 60
Levi Kitchen (Yamaha), 59
Michael Mosiman (GasGas), 55
Seth Hammaker (Kawasaki), 55
Max Vohland (KTM), 50
Stilez Robertson (Husqvarna), 45
Pierce Brown (GasGas), 39


About Pro Circuit
Based in Corona, Calif., Pro Circuit Products, Inc. is a leader in off-road motorcycle and ATV exhausts and aftermarket performance parts. Started in 1978, Pro Circuit is the go to shop for recreational riders and professionals for everything from suspension work to complete engine packages and everything in between.

Created by former desert racer Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit proves its products and services week-in and week-out through its tagline “We Race.” Every product that dons the Pro Circuit stamp stems from the legendary Pro Circuit race team. A staple in the professional paddock, Pro Circuit Racing has earned 31 AMA championships and more than 275 race wins in more than 30 years of competition.

Source: Next Level Sports Management

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