Most Likely: Can the Prado/Kawi Situation Be Fixed and Is Shimoda a Lock to Return to Honda?

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Lots to talk about in the pits following the conclusion of the Pro Motocross season. The number one topic certainly is the situation following Jorge Prado and Monster Energy Kawasaki. Can it be fixed? We (I) look into that and the contract situation with Jo Shimoda.

Is there any chance the Jorge Prado situation can be fixed?

I never want to say there’s no chance. Sure, there’s technically a chance I could one day date Sydney Sweeney—and I’d put that at about the same odds as this situation turning around.

Before Budds Creek—and the aftermath that followed—I might’ve said there was a five percent chance. But after what went down there, and everything that played out online with his Instagram post, the Kawasaki engine builder’s reply, and his Jorge’s follow-up post, I don’t foresee any realistic path to salvaging this relationship.

It’s one of the most bizarre situations we’ve seen in a long time. Sure, things like this happen often—but rarely this publicly.

Is there a chance Jo Shimoda leaves Honda HRC?

Jo hasn’t officially re-signed with the team, but I don’t see any way they let him go. He’s one of the brightest 250 stars in the sport, the best Japanese rider in history (which carries weight), and a favorite for both 250 titles in 2026.

Could it happen? Sure. But I’d put the odds at 95 percent that he re-ups with Honda.