Image: Supplied.

250SMX champion Jo Shimoda is planning on lining up at this weekend’s Eastern Division opener in Arlington, Honda HRC Progressive has officially confirmed.

The 23-year-old was injured in the off-season while training in Florida and underwent surgery on two fractured and displaced vertebrae in his upper-back and lower-neck.

Shimoda – who was initially not expected to return to competition until Pro Motocross in May – has made a rapid recovery and has been declared fit to race in Texas at round seven of the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Championship.

“Up next for Honda HRC Progressive is AMA Supercross round seven this Saturday in Arlington, Texas, which is a military-appreciation race,” Honda’s post-race PR read. “The event marks the first round of the 250SX East Region series, and Jo Shimoda is planning to compete.

“The Japanese racer suffered a neck injury during the off-season, but has made a relatively speedy recovery from surgery. Everyone at Honda is happy to welcome the 2025 SMX 250 Champion back to racing.”

Last season saw Shimoda finish fourth in the 250SX West standings, before racing to second in the Pro Motocross Championship, and then clinching a first-career crown in the SMX World Championship post-season during September.