Jo Shimoda

About

Jo Shimoda (下田丈, Shimoda Jō; born 16 May 2002) is a Japanese professional motocross rider who currently competes in the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships for HRC Honda. He is the 2025 SMX 250cc Champion.

Jo was born and raised in Suzuka, Japan to parents Yoichi and Ai. He has one sister. Jo’s father rode motorcycles and gave Jo a dirt bike when he was a toddler. Jo continued to ride through childhood and his parents entered him in many local races. His father then sought stiffer competition for Jo and had him race in Europe and the United States. He began racing full time in the US in 2016 and turned pro in 2019. He resides in Clermont, Florida.

As a child, Jo raced in Japan, Europe, and the US. In 2016 he won the AMA Amateur National Championship in Super Mini 2 at Loretta Lynn’s. The next year he signed with the Honda Factory Connection’s amateur program. In 2018 he was the Monster Energy All Stars winner. In 2019, he turned pro, racing the last 3 AMA Pro Motocross Nationals.

Jo raced the 250SX East and finished 3rd in the standings after a delay in the season. He was awarded the AMA Supercross Rookie of the…