Image: Octopi Media.

Reigning 250SMX champion Jo Shimoda has re-signed with the Honda HRC Progressive team, set to defend his crown for the 2026 season.

Shimoda, 23, posted a breakout campaign this year, racing to victory at the 250SX West season-opener of Monster Energy Supercross at Anaheim 1, and later earning second in the Pro Motocross Championship.

His major spoils arrived during the three-round SuperMotocross post-season, where he became the first Japanese-born AMA champion, successfully claiming title success after a fierce showdown with Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) in Las Vegas.

“Since I was young, I’ve thought HRC is one of the most advanced teams in the whole motorsports industry,” commented Shimoda. “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.”

Shimoda will wear the purple plate complete with yellow numbers on his factory CRF250RWE throughout the 2026 season, signifying his championship success in the 250SMX division this past year.