Trackside Opinion on Jett and 2026 SX Future

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Antonio Cairoli accompanies the Olympic torch relay

Ahead of the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, it's not just winter sports legends who are playing a role. Two names from the motocross world were also featured before the competitions: Antonio Cairolli and Alexander Lupino They participated as torchbearers in the Olympic torch relay, sending a strong message for off-road sports in Italy.

The Winter Games themselves take place from February 6 to February 22, 2026 in Cortina and Milan.

Lupino opened the torch relay in Rome

The torch relay began in Rome – and none other than Alessandro Lupino had the honor of opening it. The eight-time Italian Motocross Champion and runner-up in the 2025 MX2 series was one of the first participants to carry the Olympic torch out of the Italian Olympic Committee building.

The torch relay itself is a monument in itself: 10.000 torchbearers, 12.000-kilometer route, a route across Italy. Lupino was at the beginning of this symbolic journey, which accompanied the Olympic flame step by step towards the north.

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Cairoli brings the flame to Palermo and lights the Olympic flame.

Nine days later, the flame reached Palermo, where Antonio Cairoli, nine-time Motocross World Champion, took over the torch. Cairoli ended the tenth day's stage by lighting the Olympic cauldron in front of the Teatro Politeama – accompanied by the applause of a large crowd.

For Sicily, which has always shaped Cairoli and which has shaped him, it was a special moment. For Italy, it marked the ceremonial return of the Olympic flame, which had last been in the country for the 2006 Winter Games in Turin.

A strong signal for off-road sports

The participation of Cairoli and Lupino demonstrates the enduring appeal of motocross in Italy. Two athletes from a sport that rarely receives Olympic attention were chosen to accompany one of the most symbolic moments leading up to the Winter Games – a sign of the growing recognition of off-road racing and Ducati's commitment to this segment.

More than a mere protocol

The participation of the two Ducati riders is far more than a gesture. It connects the tradition of the Olympic Games with the dynamism of modern motocross. The fact that two such distinguished riders were able to be part of this moment underscores both its national significance and the role Ducati plays in Italian motorsport today – fittingly, given that the Games in February 2026 will once again put Italy at the center of the international sporting world.

Injury update: Jett Lawrence

Honda HRC Progressive confirmed today that Jett Lawrence fractured his right ankle/foot in a Friday training crash at the Dog Pound facility in Florida. The Australian underwent surgery today in Florida to repair a fractured talus and navicular. The recovery period is expected to be at least three months.

While this unfortunate news means that Lawrence’s bid to retake the AMA Supercross title is over before it started, he is expected to return in plenty of time to defend his AMA Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross crowns. At just 22 years of age, Lawrence has already amassed 10 professional AMA championships.

“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now,” Lawrence said. “The team and I put in so much work during the offseason to improve. I keep reminding myself that we have overcome challenges before, and this is no different. I’ll put the same focus into my recovery that I put into being the best athlete I can be each day. My goal is to get this ankle fully healed up and return as competitive as ever and make the 2026 season as successful as we can.”

Lawrence joins teammate Jo Shimoda on the sidelines, as the Japanese rider is currently recovering from a neck injury he incurred last month. For the January 10 AMA Supercross opener in Anaheim, California, Honda HRC Progressive will be represented by Hunter Lawrence on the factory CRF450RWE and Chance Hymas on the CRF250RWE. Hunter has finished a solid second overall in AMA Pro Motocross and SuperMotocross for the past two years, and he is focused on being competetive in stadium racing. Hymas is healthy after having taken the time for a full recovery from ACL surgery last summer, and he is motivated to make 2026 his best season yet.

“This has been a brutal pre-season for us, with first Jo and now Jett getting injured before we even head to Anaheim,” said Brandon Wilson, Manager of Racing and Advertising at American Honda. “It’s a shame because the atmosphere within the team leading into Supercross has been really strong, and the riders have been very happy with their bikes. We all know Jett would’ve been one of the favorites for the Supercross championship, but as professionals, we also recognize that this is part of racing. The most important thing for Jett is to take the time needed for a complete recovery. In the meantime, the team is 100-percent committed to putting its full support behind Hunter and Chance. Both riders showed last year that they have the speed to contend for wins and even titles, and I think they’re ready to take another step in 2026.”

I'll Be Back!

Jett Breaks Bones!

Jett Lawrence injured – misses start of SX Championship

Jett Lawrence was injured during a training session ahead of the AMA Supercross Championship. Lawrence suffered fractures to his right ankle and foot. He has already undergone surgery but will definitely miss the start of the American Supercross Championship, which begins on January 10 in Anaheim.

Jett …“Just got out of surgery.  Fractures to my Talus and Navicular Bone in my right ankle/foot. My freaking goal was to complete all 31 races, and give myself the best chance at each title. Didn’t even get a shot at that… I just gotta rebuild and get back to doing what I love the most. See everyone soon!”

Shimoda makes history – and Japan is finally taking notice

Tokyo, a Wednesday evening in December, somewhere amidst chandeliers, red carpets, and the soft clinking of champagne glasses. And right in the middle of it all stands a guy who normally plows through dirt jumps in full gear: Jo ShimodaBut this time he's not wearing a helmet, but a sports award – and what an award it is.

The Honda-HRC-Progressive rider was awarded the Kantō Shō “Fighting Spirit” Award Excellent. An award usually reserved for baseball pitchers, sumo legends, or soccer stars. And now? A motocross rider. A mark not to be underestimated.

A year in which Shimoda changed everything – also for Japan

2025 was not a good year for Jo Shimoda. It was one of those years that sets a life on a new course. Supermotocross title in the 250cc class - as first Japanese person ever, who wins a professional title in the AMA scene.

His uncompromising debut at the MXoN in the 450cc class. And now this award, right in the heart of Tokyo, alongside world stars like Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, this year's overall winner of the Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize.

It's important to put this into perspective: In Japan, motocross plays roughly the same social role as curling in the desert. And yet, Shimoda suddenly finds himself on a stage usually reserved for the country's greatest sporting icons. His reaction? Unmistakably Shimoda: "I never imagined that motocross would bring me here. I hope this award helps more people in Japan see what our sport is capable of."

It doesn't sound boastful. It sounds honest. And it sounds like someone who knows they've just started something bigger than a title.

An evening that shows motocross is growing quietly but clearly in Japan.

The day after the awards ceremony, Honda transformed Tokyo into a small off-road oasis: a pop-up event, fans queuing up for autographs and cameras. Shimoda, team manager Lars Lindstrom, and IndyCar icon were all there. takuma sato – a stage that suddenly looked like a who's who of motorsport.

This includes honoring other Japanese talents such as Yuki Okura (JMX Champion) and BMX star Rim Nakamura.
Motorsport, BMX, motocross – all in one place. Japan rarely shows so openly how proud it is of its athletes.

HRC off-road boss Yasuhiro Yokoyama He summed it up perfectly: "Jo didn't just win. He showed Japan what a Japanese motocross rider is capable of."

A champion who is injured – but doesn't let it slow him down.

Yes, Shimoda currently has a neck injury. Yes, it was severe enough to disrupt training and plans. But anyone who knows him knows: he sees obstacles simply as things to be overcome. 2026 is the plan. Definitely. No question marks. Again. Honda HRC Progressive, full program again.

And the mood? Shimoda doesn't seem like someone who's holding back. He seems like someone who's just warming up.

Shimoda didn't seek the limelight – but now it belongs to him.

This award isn't just another trophy for the cupboard. It's a signal. A rare and clear one:

• Motocross Penkert GmbH inJapan.
• Shimoda has opened the door – and it will remain open.
• And when 2026 starts, he won't just keep it open... he'll drive through it at full speed.

Jo Shimoda has had a historic year. And it feels like it's just the beginning.

2026 Monster Energy Supercross Preview Show

A Year of Full Send