Jo Shimoda, a motocross rider from Suzuka, Japan, has been riding dirt bikes since he was just four years old. Growing up, he quickly became a talented amateur racer and achieved great success in his hometown. However, Shimoda was hungry for more and decided to explore international competitions. He competed in Europe and in the U.S., clinching the 2016 Supermini 2 AMA Amateur National Championship at Loretta Lynn Ranch and joined the Honda-supported Factory Connection team's amateur program in 2017. As the 2019 season neared its end, he took a major leap by turning pro. In his debut year as a professional, Shimoda finished third in the AMA 250SX East Region standings and received the AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year Award. Fast forward to 2021, Shimoda set the record by becoming the first Japanese rider to win an AMA 250SX main event. Shimoda broke new ground once again in 2023. He scored an overall victory in the AMA Pro Motocross, placing second in the 250 final standings while becoming the first Japanese rider to achieve this milestone. Now, as we dive into 2024, Shimoda has joined Team Honda HRC. This is a monumental move as he becomes the first Japanese rider to compete for the factory program, signing a two-year contract.