Feature Story
Back in Action for Atlanta SX
Jo Shimoda
Ready to add a spark to the series in Atlanta.
Following an outstanding run through the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in which Jo Shimoda claimed his first 250 Class overall win, backed it up with another win, and secured second overall in the final standings, the young Japanese rider headed toward the Monster Energy Supercross Championship with tremendous momentum in his favor.
Unfortunately, with only one week remaining before the start of his campaign for the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship, Shimoda suffered a shoulder injury that ultimately sidelined him for more than half of the series. Shimoda has recovered to racing form and will return to the gate at Round 13 in Atlanta, GA on April 15.
After finishing fourth overall in the 2022 250SX Western Regional Championship, Shimoda raced his way to second overall in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Throughout the summer, Shimoda established himself as a top contender in the 250 Class by securing nine overall podiums and two overall victories. Shimoda carried the momentum from his exceptional motocross season into his off-season training and was prepared to challenge for the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship. As the result of crash during a routine practice session, his Monster Energy Supercross Championship hopes were dashed, but with his focus shifted toward recovery, the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider never took his eyes off the podium. With several weeks of training now under his belt, the No.30 KX250 of Shimoda is ready to compete at the top level and aims to prove he still has what it takes to ignite the finish-line torches as lead man of the 250SX Class.
“Jo Shimoda
Our goal was to compete for the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship and I know we had been doing the right work to make that happen. Unfortunately, my injury forced me to miss the start of the season, but I still believe I have the ability to race for wins before the end of supercross. The whole team has supported me through my recovery and I am hungry to earn the results that we've all been striving for. Even though the season is starting to wind down, I'm just getting started and I'm ready to fight to the end. We are out of it for the big picture as far as points go, but we still have time to show what could have been this year. I'm motivated and looking forward to finally getting back out there in front of the fans to feel that excitement.
“Nathalie Fase, Team Manager
F&H Kawasaki MX2 Racing Team is proud to line up this season with two young, strong talented riders in the FIM Motocross MX2 World Championship. Kevin Horgmo who finished fourth in the world championship with us last season looks stronger than ever after a perfect winter preparation and is ready to go for it. Our new Spanish talented member of the team David Braceras has recovered well from a minor injury earlier this winter period and we are confident that everything will work out with him step by step during the season.
