Monster Energy’s Eli Tomac & Jo Shimoda sweep the top spots at Michigan’s RedBud MX National

Tomac is absolutely dominant, going 1^st-1^st to take the 450 class; Shimoda wins his (and Japan’s) first-ever MX National moto – and backs it up with the overall

CORONA, CA – July 4, 2022 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – On a picture perfect, holiday weekend day for motocross – at one of Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship, presented by Monster Energy, most beloved tracks – Monster Energy-backed racers Eli Tomac (Star Racing/Yamaha) and Jo Shimoda (Pro Circuit/Kawasaki) captured top honors in their respective classes in a Monster Energy domination of the KTM RedBud MX National, presented by Intense Tazer MX.

Beginning with the heartwarming story of Shimoda, the Japan-born racer became, somewhat surprisingly, the first racer in his country’s history – a country that for decades has dominated he rest of the world in the in the construction of dirt bikes – to win a moto at an American MX National. And in the process, another first-ever with an overall two-moto victory in the 250 class.

“It’s weird that I took the overall, but I’m really happy about it,” said an elated Shimoda on the RedBud podium, the words “I Love (in the form of a heart) USA” scrawled across his stomach with a Sharpie. “I went down on the first lap, and I didn’t realize I was in 3^rd either (Shimoda’s 1^st-3^rd finishes would earn him the overall by one point over Honda’s Hunter Lawrence’s 2^nd-2^nd finish).

When asked on the podium what went through his mind when he tipped over early in the race, and dropped back to 25^th place, Shimoda replied with a smile “Not good!”

“I was rushing and rushing, almost tucked the front end everywhere,” added Shimoda. “Good think I kept going.”

Tomac’s overall win would be his second of the season, though he still trails Monster Energy’s Chase Sexton (Honda), who finished 2^nd overall at RedBud with a 2^nd-2^nd results, in the overall point chase (224-217). Tomac has won three-straight motos and two-straight 450 class overalls.

Said Tomac from the podium: “It’s just a perfect day for us. Literally perfect crowd. Perfect motocross track. I just love RedBud.”

250 class podium Center: Jo Shimoda

Here’s a look at what went down at RedBud MX, beginning with the 250 class.

250 Moto 1 – Monster Energy’s Levi Kitchen

Shimoda would have the top gate pick as the fast qualifier to open the 250 class racing.

Shimoda pulled a great start, coming out in 2^nd place behind Hunter Lawrence (Honda). ……