Jo Shimoda Shines in 450 Debut at Motocross of Nations

Jo Shimoda delivered a standout performance at the 2025 Motocross of Nations, held at Ironman Raceway in Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Competing in his first-ever 450-class event, Shimoda represented Team Japan, leading his nation to an impressive 11th overall finish against the world’s best.

Often described as the “Olympics of Motocross,” the Motocross of Nations brings together three-rider national teams from across the globe to compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. Shimoda took on the Open class, marking a significant milestone in his professional career.

Shimoda immediately demonstrated his adaptability on the bigger bike, grabbing the holeshot in Moto 2 and maintaining a commanding pace to finish second. He backed that up with a sixth-place finish in the final race, showcasing speed across the demanding back-to-back motos. His consistency and racecraft were pivotal in securing Japan’s highest Motocross of Nations result in nearly a decade.

Looking Ahead

With his 450 debut marking another career milestone, Jo Shimoda will now turn his attention to the 2026 season, building on a year that showcased his growth, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure. Representing Japan on the world stage, Shimoda continues to inspire the next generation of riders and solidify his reputation as one of the sport’s most versatile and respected competitors.