Slaw
Honda HRC announced today that they have re-signed Jo Shimoda or the 2026 SuperMotocross season.
The 23-year-old from Japan turned in a breakout season in 2025 capturing the three-round SuperMotocross Playoffs title in dramatic fashion over Haiden Deegan, becoming the first Japanese rider to win a professional AMA championship.
Shimoda, who began his career with the Honda supported GEICO Honda team in 2019, and earning AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year honors in 2020, left for Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki after GEICO closed its doors at the end of the 2020 season.
Returning to Honda HRC in 2024, Shimoda had a career best season in 2025, finishing fourth in Monster Energy Supercross 250SX West Region points despite dealing with a hand injury most of the year year and followed it up with a second overall finish in Pro Motocross before capturing his first 250 crown in the Playoffs.
Shimoda was also impressive while racing a CRF450RWE for the first time with Team Japan at the season-end Motocross of Nations, posting 2-6 results in his two motos.
He will race the 250 Class in 2026 alongside the returning Chance Hymas.
“Since I was young, I’ve thought HRC is one of the most advanced teams in the whole motorsports industry,” Shimoda said. “To be a part of that is amazing. Where I grew up, they have the Suzuka Circuit, where Honda is all over the place—Honda Racing Corporation is right by my house! There’s a lot to it, and it means a lot to me.”
“On behalf of everyone at American Honda, Honda HRC Progressive and HRC, I’m extremely pleased to welcome Jo back for another season,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing & Advertising at American Honda. “We’re proud of the progress that Jo has made with his speed and confidence over the last couple of seasons, and he has played an important role in developing our CRF250RWE race machine. We’re excited to see what we can do next together.”
Main image: Honda
