Unadilla Race Report: Shimoda Dominates, Sets Stage for Future Contention
Unadilla, NY – Jo Shimoda showcased remarkable performance at the Unadilla round of the Pro Motocross Championship, claiming victory in the 250 class with a commanding 39-second lead over series leader Haiden Deegan. This win marks Shimoda’s second overall at Unadilla, having first triumphed in 2022.
Shimoda’s victory was reminiscent of historic dominance, as noted by Lars Lindstrom, Team Manager of Honda HRC. “Jo was absolutely unreal today… It reminded me of James Stewart in 2002-2003,” Lindstrom remarked. Shimoda’s racing style and control drew comparisons to legendary performances, emphasizing a significant leap in his skillset since debuting at the track in 2019, where he finished 36th.
Despite Deegan’s mechanical challenges, which he downplayed post-race, Shimoda capitalized on the situation, halting Deegan’s potential to clinch the championship a round early. Shimoda, however, remains 43 points behind in the title chase with only one round remaining, making a championship victory improbable.
Shimoda reflected on his journey: “Unadilla has been hit or miss for me… The more technical it is, the better it works for me.” With aspirations for a title in 2026, he remains focused on consistency and improvement.
As the championship nears its conclusion, attention turns to the upcoming SMX Finals, where Shimoda will aim to leverage his recent form to challenge Deegan, who is preparing to move up to the 450 class next season.
For motorsports enthusiasts, this race not only highlighted Shimoda’s current prowess but also set the stage for exciting developments in the coming season.
