Jo Shimoda’s performance at Unadilla’s 250 Moto1 was nothing short of breathtaking. From the drop of the gate, the Japanese rider rocketed into the lead and never looked back, delivering a masterclass in speed, precision, and endurance. By the time the checkered flag waved, Shimoda had crossed the line an astonishing 42 seconds ahead of Haiden Deegan — the largest winning margin of the 2025 motocross season.
The race began with Deegan looking poised to challenge, but Shimoda’s pace was simply unmatchable. Lap after lap, he carved through Unadilla’s notorious bumps, ruts, and elevation changes with surgical control, making the grueling track look effortless. His rhythm was flawless, his lines razor-sharp, and his intensity never wavered. By the midpoint, it was clear that the battle was no longer for first place — Shimoda had transformed it into a one-man show.
Fans in the stands and viewers at home could hardly believe the gap building on the timing screens. Forty-two seconds in professional motocross isn’t just a win — it’s a statement. It’s the kind of dominance that sends shockwaves through the paddock, forcing rivals to reevaluate their strategy for the rest of the season.
After the race, Shimoda’s composure mirrored his riding style. “Everything just clicked today,” he said. “The bike felt amazing, and I was able to ride my lines exactly how I wanted.” While his words were humble, the performance itself was a declaration — Shimoda is here not just to win races, but to control them.
With this victory, Jo Shimoda has solidified himself as the relentless pace-setter of the 2025 motocross circuit. If his rivals weren’t already worried, Unadilla made it clear: to beat him, they’ll need more than speed — they’ll need something extrao
rdinary.
