Jo Shimoda to Compete in a Round of the All Japan Motocross Championship

・ Shimoda will campaign a 2025 CRF450R in round 7 at Off Road Village in Saitama

・ First Japanese rider to score wins in AMA SX, MX, SMX

Honda Racing Corporation announced today that Team Honda HRC rider Jo Shimoda will take part in the seventh round of the D.I.D All Japan Motocross Championship, to be held at Off Road Village in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. The event takes place on September 28 and 29, one week after completion of the SuperMotocross series. Shimoda, who finished fourth in the 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West series and turned in three overall podium results in the AMA Pro Motocross 250 series before his collarbone injury, will compete in Japan aboard the new 2025 CRF450R. Without complications, Shimoda's collarbone should not be an issue at that point.

The Japanese native has past experience in the JMX championship, having campaigned the Meihan round with another manufacturer in 2022, when he posted 1-1 moto finishes in the 450 class.

"I'm stoked on the opportunity to race in my home country," Shimoda said. "The fans there show me so much support, and I want to thank them by going back to race as often as I can."

"It's great that Jo is going back to Japan to compete in front of his home fans, as well as our partners at Honda Motor and HRC," said Brandon Wilson, American Honda Manager of Racing & Advertising. "The support we receive from Japan is such a vital component of our success, and opportunities like this are a great way for us to show our appreciation. Last year Trey Canard did an exceptional job at the Saitama round, giving the CR Electric Proto its race debut, and we're confident that Jo will have a positive showing aboard the new CRF450R."