Image: Octopi Media.

Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda has been left ‘disgusted’ following a qualifying crash at Southwick on Saturday, with the previous 250MX points-leader sustaining a fractured collarbone and a concussion in the impact.

Shimoda entered the sixth round with a four-point advantage atop the 250MX standings after finishing second overall at RedBud – including a moto two victory – before disaster struck during the second qualifying session.

The crash left the 24-year-old with a fractured collarbone and a concussion, forcing him to withdraw from the remainder of the event and surrender the championship lead in the process.

“I truly feel disgusted on how Saturday went,” commented Shimoda. “Coming in with the points lead, it was really unfortunate to end up with a small crash and a small injury that’s enough to get me out of the series.

“But one thing that we can take away is that I feel really confident in myself to find my way back to the top level, no matter where the starting point is or under any circumstance.”

The latest setback continues a challenging eight-month stretch for the Japanese rider, who sustained back and neck injuries in a training incident last November before a fractured fibula prematurely ended his 250SX East campaign earlier this year.

Shimoda drops to third in the 250MX standings, now 33 points behind new red plate holder Cole Davies (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing). No timetable has been provided for his return.