Jo Shimoda

Jo Shimoda (下田丈) is a Japanese professional motocross rider who currently competes in the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships for HRC Honda. He is the 2020 AMA 250SX Rookie of the Year.

Personal Life
Jo was born and raised in Suzuka, Japan to parents Yoichi and Ai. He has one sister. Jo's father rode motorcycles and gave Jo a dirt bike when he was a toddler. Jo continued to ride through childhood and his parents entered him in many local races. His father then sought stiffer competition for Jo and had him race in Europe and the United States. He began racing full time in the US in 2016 and turned pro in 2019. He bought a house in Menifee, California in 2024 and resides there.

Amateur Career
As a child, Jo raced in Japan, Europe, and the US. In 2016 he was the supermini 2 champion at Loretta Lynn's. The next year he signed with the Honda Factory Connection's amateur program. In 2018 he was the Monster Energy All Stars winner. In 2019, he turned pro, racing the last 3 AMA Pro Motocross Nationals.

2020
Jo raced the 250SX East and finished 3rd in the standings after a delay in the season. He was awarded the AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year. In motocross, Jo raced to a best finish of 5th and was 11th in the championship. He then signed with Pro Circuit Kawasaki.

2021
Jo again raced the 250SX East, placing within the top 5 for most of season and earning his first win. He finished 2nd overall. Jo had an up and down motocross season with 3 podium finishes and placed 5th overall.

2022
Jo raced the 250SX East this year and placed 4th in the championship with 2 podiums. He raced well in Motocross and was rarely off the podium. He achieved 2 overall wins and finished 2nd in the standings. Jo was part of team Japan at the MXoN at Redbud. His team struggled in the conditions and they did not qualify for the main event.

2023
During preparation for racing 250SX East, Jo suffered a shoulder injury. He was able to return for the last four rounds in where he finished fourth twice, ninth and second. In motocross, Jo struggled to find consistency. He ended the season with one win and four podium finishes, which led him to a 3rd place finish in the standings. At the inaugural SuperMotorcross Championship, Shimoda won the opening round then placed 2nd in the next two rounds. He finished 2nd Overall

On Wednesday October 18, Shimoda announced his move from Pro Circuit Kawasaki to HRC Honda.

2024
Jo started his 250SX West season with some misfortunes but mostly stayed within the top 5. He had one win and placed 4th in the championship.