Jo Shimoda – Professional Supercross & Motocross Racer

Racer Number: 30
Date of Birth: May 16, 2002
Hometown: Suzuka, Japan
Residence: Clermont, Florida, USA

Early Life & Amateur Success

Born in Suzuka, Japan, Jo Shimoda discovered motocross at the age of four. His natural talent was evident early, and after dominating local competitions, he began racing internationally to test himself against the world’s best. At just 14 years old, Shimoda claimed the 2016 Supermini 2 AMA Amateur National Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. That same year marked him as one of Japan’s brightest motocross prospects. By 2017, he joined the prestigious Honda-supported Factory Connection amateur program, paving the way for a professional career in the United States.

Rising Through the Ranks

Shimoda made his professional debut in 2019, and just one year later, he earned AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year honors after finishing third in the 250SX East Region. His technical skill, consistency, and maturity quickly set him apart. In 2021, riding for Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Shimoda made history as the first Japanese rider to ever win an AMA Supercross 250SX main event, before finishing second in the championship standings.

That breakthrough was followed by more history-making moments in AMA Pro Motocross, where Shimoda became the first Japanese rider to win an overall in the series. By 2022, he was a constant podium contender, finishing second in the 250MX standings. In 2023, he added to his résumé with multiple moto wins, a third overall in Pro Motocross, and a runner-up finish in the inaugural SuperMotocross 250 Championship.

Career Highlights & Achievements

  • 4 career AMA Supercross 250SX wins12 AMA Supercross 250SX podiums

  • 6 AMA Pro Motocross 250 overall wins

  • 40 AMA Pro Motocross 250 moto podiums

  • 1 SuperMotocross 250 overall win

  • 3 SuperMotocross 250 podiums

(Updated as of August 26, 2025)

Recent Seasons

  • 2025: Multiple AMA Pro Motocross overall wins, 2nd in the 250 championship standings; podium in opening SMX Playoffs round.

  • 2024: 4th in AMA Supercross 250 West, 6th in Pro Motocross 250, 4th in SuperMotocross 250.

  • 2023: 13th in AMA Supercross 250 East, 3rd in Pro Motocross 250, 2nd in SuperMotocross 250 (1 win).

  • 2022: 4th in AMA Supercross 250 West, 2nd in AMA Pro Motocross 250 (5 moto wins).

Today

Now competing with Honda HRC Progressive Racing, Jo Shimoda continues to build his legacy as one of the most successful and influential Japanese riders in motocross history. Known for his smooth riding style, composure under pressure, and relentless drive to improve, Shimoda represents a new era of global motocross talent.