Image: Supplied.

Australian export Jay Wilson is celebrating a third All-Japan Motocross Championship after clinching the 2024 IA1 (450cc) title on Sunday in Kawagoe, Saitama, finishing the penultimate round in P2 behind US-based Team Honda HRC rider Jo Shimoda.

While Shimoda was making a one-off appearance at home, Wilson was focused on making it back-to-back Japanese premier class championships, and this year as part of Yamaha’s factory JW Innovation Racing Team.

“This championship is special and maybe more than the others as I have really had to work for it,” Wilson commented. “The rider level in Japan has picked up considerably since I have been
here, so while the points gap on paper is good, it wasn’t like that on track in a lot of the races.

“I also felt like I enjoyed this one more. I tried to enjoy the process of racing for a championship and not get overwhelmed – I think I had a better balance and allowed me to relax
when it matters and know that my riding will be good enough.”

Wilson – the 2015 Australian MX2 national champion and 2018 SX2 title winner – was credited with 1-2-2 moto scores on the weekend after Shimoda received a penalty in the opening encounter. The current season will conclude at Sugo on October 19-20.