Jo Shimoda to Return for Supercross 250 East Debut

The Japanese rider will compete in the opening round after recovering from a serious off-season injury.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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After suffering a neck injury during the off-season, Honda HRC rider Jo Shimoda is planning to compete in the opening round of the Supercross 250 East series at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Shimoda, the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship 250 class champion, fractured and displaced two vertebrae in his upper back and lower neck in a training crash last November, but has made a relatively speedy recovery from surgery.

Why it matters

Shimoda's return is significant as he looks to defend his SuperMotocross World Championship 250 class title. As the first Japanese rider to win a major dirt bike championship, his success has helped grow the sport's popularity internationally.

The details

In the crash, Shimoda suffered two fractured and displaced vertebrae in his upper back and lower neck. However, Honda HRC reported that his spinal column was 'completely uninjured' and he has regained full movement and feeling. The team is leaving some flexibility to determine how Shimoda feels during the race weekend, but he is 'planning to compete' in the 250SX East Region opener.

  • Shimoda suffered the injury in a training crash last November.
  • The Supercross 250 East opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas is scheduled for February 21, 2026.

The players

Jo Shimoda

A Japanese dirt bike racer who is the 2025 SuperMotocross World Championship 250 class champion.

Honda HRC

The factory Honda racing team that fields Shimoda in the SuperMotocross World Championship.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Shimoda's return to racing after a serious injury is a testament to his determination and the support of the Honda HRC team. As the first Japanese rider to win a major dirt bike championship, his continued success will be closely watched as he looks to defend his title and grow the sport's popularity internationally.