Slaw Dog
This has been known for some time, but was not official until today: Jo Shimoda has signed with Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki for 2021, joining the previously announced Austin Forkner, Jordon Smith, Cameron McAdoo, and Seth Hammaker.
Shimoda, the 2020 Monster Energy Supercross Rookie of the Year, was left without a ride when GEICO Honda shut down earlier this year.
A native of Japan, Shimoda made his pro debut at the last three rounds of the 2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship. This year marked his first full season in Monster Energy Supercross and Lucas Oil Pro Motocross. He finished third overall in the 250SX East Region and followed it up with a 11th overall in Pro Motocross.
“Honestly, I wasn’t too sure what next year would look like for me, but thanks to the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and Mitch Payton, I couldn’t be more excited for next year,” said Shimoda.“It feels really good to be with such an iconic team like the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race team and to know that they believe in my ability enough to give me a chance this year. I was able to test the all-new KX250 a couple of times and on my first day, I was over jumping everything because of how fast it was! I am just really thankful and excited for this opportunity and I plan to make the most of it.”
“Jo Shimoda became available late last season,” said Mitch Payton, Pro Circuit owner.“We feel that with his tremendous talent and the new 2021 Kawasaki KX250, it will be a recipe for success. Jo showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie supercross season and finished out the motocross season with a career-best moto podium finish. We’re looking forward to Jo mixing it up with our four other talented riders and seeing them all work toward their goal of becoming a champion next season.”
