Kyojo Cup Champion RIO SHIMONO Steps Up to Formula Regional Japan with Dr.Dry

January 16, 2026

• RIO SHIMONO is making the logical next step after dominating Kyojo Cup last season, clinching the title with a round to spare using the series’ new KC MG-01. Her mid-season move to Dr.Dry in 2023 proved brilliant – her results immediately improved in those final three rounds, setting up her championship run.
• The Osaka native has been steadily building her resume since 2019, collecting wins at legendary circuits like Autopolis and Fuji in Super FJ, plus that satisfying TCR Japan victory at Suzuka. What we love about SHIMONO’s trajectory is how she’s taken calculated steps up the ladder while staying competitive at each level.
• Smart move keeping one foot in Kyojo Cup while tackling Formula Regional Japan – we’ll see if she can pull double duty successfully. The 2025 season kicks off with back-to-back Suzuka rounds in late February and May, giving SHIMONO familiar territory to find her footing in the faster machinery.

dr.dry, formula regional japan, kyojo cup, suzuka circuit