Honda HRC Progressive Concludes 2026 Racing Season

Honda HRC Progressive concluded its extensive 2026 racing season at the SMX Final in southern Missouri, marking the end of an eight-and-a-half-month, 31-race campaign. While the team did not add another championship at this final event, rider Hunter Lawrence secured a strong third-place finish in the SMX Playoffs, building on his earlier AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship win. Jo Shimoda faced challenges, ultimately finishing 12th overall in the 250 class.

Season Highlights and Rider Performance

Hunter Lawrence's performance throughout the Honda HRC Progressive 2026 season was a significant highlight. At the SMX Final, he finished third in both 450 motos, leading to a 3-3 result for the day. This consistent performance earned him third place in the SMX Playoffs, capping what has been described as the strongest season of his career to date. Earlier in the year, Lawrence had already claimed the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship.

In the 250 class, Jo Shimoda encountered difficulties during the final event. He experienced crashes early in the first moto, rejoining in last place and finishing 15th. In the second moto, after a mid-pack start, he dropped to 12th before recovering to finish eighth, resulting in his 12th overall position. Shimoda noted that starting the season with a neck injury had impacted his readiness.

Team Challenges and Broader Engagement

The Honda HRC Progressive 2026 season also saw challenges, including an injury to rider Chance Hymas. During Friday practice, Hymas overjumped an obstacle, sustaining fractures to small bones in his left wrist. This injury forced him to withdraw from the SMX Final program and the upcoming Motocross of Nations. Other Honda-affiliated riders also competed, with Charli Cannon of Quad Lock Honda securing second place in the WMX Invitational, and Christian Craig and Joey Savatgy also participating in the 450SMX events.

Beyond the race track, Honda maintained a strong presence. Honda of Ozarks, a local dealership, hosted a pop-up display showcasing a CRF450R and a Monkey miniMOTO. The event also featured NT1100 Police motorcycles, with Honda Police Fleet Program Liaison Bill Turner highlighting their growing adoption by law enforcement agencies across the country.

Industry Figures and Community Support

The SMX Final attracted several notable figures from the sports world, including NASCAR drivers Kyle Larson, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Noah Gragson, as well as former NFL player Nate Holley and Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher, all of whom visited the Honda HRC Progressive team. The event also marked the retirement of former Honda riders Eli Tomac and Dylan Ferrandis, who previously raced for Factory Connection and Phoenix Racing Honda, respectively.

In a charitable initiative, the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation will auction autographed bodywork used by Honda HRC Progressive at round 2 of the SuperMotocross Playoffs. These parts feature unique designs created by patients, with proceeds benefiting the foundation. The team also extended congratulations to Jorge Prado and Levi Kitchen for winning the 2026 450 and 250 SuperMotocross Championships, respectively.

As the 2026 racing season concludes, Honda HRC Progressive reflects on a demanding but ultimately successful year, marked by Hunter Lawrence's championship win and consistent performance, despite the challenges faced by other team members. The team now looks ahead to recovery and preparation for the next season.