Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Shimoda Continues Southwick Podium Streak

Southwick Highlights:

Shimoda wins Moto 2
Shimoda lands third overall (6-1), making it his third Southwick podium finish in-a-row
Hammaker finished fifth (7-5)
DiFrancesco finished 12th overall (13-13)
Reynolds sat out with food poisoning

SOUTHWICK, Massachusetts (July 11, 2023) – Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Jo Shimoda proved once again that he’s a fan of the sand at The Wick 338, winning Moto 2 and grabbing his first podium of the season in third (6-1). The podium was also his third-straight at The Wick 338 and he maintained fourth overall in the championship. In only his second race back, Seth Hammaker earned an impressive fifth overall with a 7-5, while teammate Ryder DiFrancesco enjoyed 12th overall (13-13). After turning laps in practice, Jett Reynolds made the tough choice to sit out with suspected food poisoning.

The day didn’t start as Shimoda was hoping with a 12th overall in qualifying, but with each lap around the track, he made improvements. Shimoda’s Moto 1 start forced him to really attack the circuit after coming around the first lap in 13th. It was slow going to pick off riders as you’re battling both rider and track, but eventually made it up to sixth at the end of 30 minutes, plus two laps. Moto 2 was an entirely different story as he nearly grabbed the holeshot and tucked in behind the leader. He kept close for the first six laps before railing a long outside line that gave him the speed to make the pass for the lead. Shimoda kept a comfortable pace and finished four seconds ahead of second.

“I’ve been struggling the whole year and wasn’t sure if this day would come,” said Shimoda. “The whole team never gave up and they deserve it. It was a super fun day and I love the fans here at Southwick. I can’t wait to come back next year, but really hope this win carries over to the round next weekend in Millville.”

Hammaker’s return to racing has been a welcomed one and he’s been showing his speed right out of the gate. After earning eighth overall in qualifying, Hammaker got a great start in Moto 1 to file into third. He kept close with the front group, but did lose touch halfway through the race. Even as he gets used to the race pace, Hammaker never gave up and finished seventh. When the gate dropped for Moto 2, the No. 35 was once again with the front pack coming around the first turn and this time he was able to hold off pressure from behind, riding consistent and bringing it home in fifth for fifth overall.

“It feels so good to run up at the front with those guys,” said Hammaker. “That will really push me to get better and fight for my first podium of the season. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I’m happy to have a good, clean race with not as many mistakes as last week. We’ll get back to work and hopefully find the podium before the end of the year.”

DiFrancesco’s day started with an 11th overall in qualifying. With Saturday being the rookie’s first trip to the sandy circuit, DiFranesco was eager to learn the unique characteristics of The Wick 338. One thing that the young rider has dialed in is his starts and he came around the first turn of the opening moto in fifth. He slid down the leaderboard a few spots throughout the opening laps, and would hold on to a 13th place finish at the checkered flag. The second moto nearly mirrored the first with a fifth-place start and having just a little trouble holding off advances from behind, finishing the second moto also in 13th for 12th overall. He holds a steady top-10 in the championship points, sitting ninth overall.

“Southwick is a beast and it was fun to learn the track,” said DiFrancesco. “I didn’t really know what to expect. I’m thankful my starts are strong. I’m looking forward to going back to Millville next week where I got my first top 10.”

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250MX Class Overall Results – Southwick