• Japanese rider posts consistent 5-5-3 results in 250SX West racing
• Solid performance as Shimoda continues his recovery from injury

Honda HRC Progressive resumed 250SX West competition this weekend in Arlington, Texas, for round 7 of AMA Supercross. The event featured the second Triple Crown round of the year, testing riders with three intense races per class. Despite still suffering from injured fingers, Jo Shimoda put in a steady performance throughout the night, securing fourth overall after a strong third-place finish in the final race.

Shimoda launched his CRF250RWE out of the gate in 250SX West race 1, grabbing the holeshot and leading the early laps. Around the halfway mark, a mistake in the sand section dropped him to seventh, but he recovered to finish fifth. The Japanese rider had a steady ride in the second race, making passes to secure another fifth-place result. In the final race, Shimoda delivered his best performance of the night, finishing third on the deteriorating track and earning fourth overall for the Triple Crown. SLR Honda’s Parker Ross finished 14th overall, while Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers took 17th.

With Honda HRC Progressive’s factory riders Jett and Hunter Lawrence sidelined, capable satellite squads led the brand’s 450SX efforts. Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis was the top Red Rider, going 9-6-11 for eighth overall. Quadlock Honda Racing’s Joey Savatgy finished 10th overall, with a best finish of eighth in race 2, while his teammate Shane McElrath took 13th overall.

NOTES

• DFW Honda Powerhouse, a popular dealership from Grapevine, Texas, set up a pop-up activation booth in the Honda HRC Progressive pits, where they displayed a CRF450R, CRF250R and CRF110F, and engaged with fans and customers.
• Jett and Hunter Lawrence are still sidelined as they recover from surgeries, but Hunter attended the Arlington event to support his teammates, engage with fans and participate in an autograph session. Hunter was also featured in an interview for the broadcast. Honda HRC Progressive is considering possible substitute riders, but no decision has been made at this time.
• In 250SX West, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda qualified fifth overall, securing a direct spot in the evening program. In the last-chance qualifier, SLR Honda’s Parker Ross and Phoenix Racing Honda’s Gavin Towers finished third and fourth, respectively, earning their spots in the program. In 450SX, Phoenix Racing Honda’s Dylan Ferrandis qualified eighth, with Quadlock Honda Racing’s Joey Savatgy and Shane McElrath securing ninth and 17th, respectively.
• Arlington was the series’ Military Appreciation Race, and the team sported custom Throttle Jockey graphics paying tribute to Virgil Leroy Irwin, a U.S. Army tank commander who served in World War II, and the grandfather of Robert and Matt Davis of graphics sponsor Throttle Jockey. Irwin was part of the 638th Tank Destroyer Battalion, operating the M18 Hellcat. A Purple Heart recipient, his bravery and service were recognized as part of Honda HRC Progressive’s tribute to the men and women of the armed forces.
• Next up, Honda HRC Progressive heads to Daytona International Speedway for round 8 of AMA Supercross, kicking off Daytona Bike Week. This event also marks the return of the 250SX East competition, with Chance Hymas back in action.

Jo Shimoda 30 “Overall, I'm happy that my fingers are healing. Each weekend I have a better performance. I’m not really worried about the fitness or the speed; I think fixing the finger is the first thing. The West class has a week off again; that's going to help, and I'm looking forward to Indianapolis.”

Lars Lindstrom Team Manager “The last two weekends have definitely been a change of pace, with only having one rider in the truck, but it has been an opportunity to refocus and try to improve things that can be improved.”