Jo Shimoda 30
Born in Suzuka, Japan, Jo Shimoda began riding at age 4 and quickly emerged as a top amateur prospect before moving abroad to pursue higher-level competition. He earned the 2016 Supermini 2 Championship at Loretta Lynn’s and joined Factory Connection’s amateur program in 2017, turning pro late in 2019.
Shimoda was AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year in 2020 after finishing third in the 250SX East Region, and in 2021 he became the first Japanese rider to win an AMA 250SX main event. He continued building momentum with multiple AMA Pro Motocross overall wins and consistent top-five championship finishes, including runner-up results in 2022 and 2023. In 2024 and 2025, Shimoda delivered standout seasons with podium-level consistency outdoors and capped 2025 by earning the SuperMotocross 250 World Championship, solidifying his status as a premier rider in the 250 class.
