Jo Shimoda Crowned 2025 SMX 250 Champion in Las Vegas
SuperMotocross World Championship – Round 3
Shimoda secures first professional AMA title with dramatic finale victory
Under the lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Honda HRC Progressive’s Jo Shimoda achieved the biggest milestone of his career, winning the 2025 SuperMotocross 250 Championship. Entering the finale with a 10-point lead, Shimoda delivered a calm, determined performance to take both the overall win and his first professional AMA crown.
In Moto 1, Shimoda led from start to finish, riding flawlessly to claim a crucial victory. The second Moto tested his resilience. After starting in eighth and navigating heavy traffic, Shimoda climbed steadily through the pack, despite aggressive challenges from rival Haiden Deegan, including a collision that briefly sent both riders to the ground. Shimoda regrouped and crossed the line in second, securing the overall and the championship.
The result capped off a historic season and cemented Shimoda’s place as the most successful Japanese native in AMA history. Along with the title, he earned a $500,000 prize and further strengthened his reputation as a star in the sport.
Looking Ahead
As Jo takes on the challenge of representing Team Japan in 2026, his focus is on building momentum from a career-defining season and translating that into results on the world’s biggest stage.
