RJ HAMPSHIRE | GRIT-220 | 250SX

RJ HAMPSHIRE | GRIT-220 | SX 250

A veteran of the division, RJ Hampshire was eager to showcase his skills amongst the challenging East/West Showdown format. Though a native of Florida, Hampshires versatility and ability to adapt to the West Coast terrain would be phenomenal, especially as rain fell throughout the latter afternoon and evening hour(s) in Salt Lake City. He proved that he could excel in a phenomenal regard for qualification and would proceed to do much the same in his heat race. Immediately he and Levi Kitchen contended for the lead, but there was little Hampshire could do to rattle the Washington native as the track remained rather slick. The dirt was moist and precipitation was in the air, causing many riders to wash their front-end(s) amongst countless corners if they weren't careful with their throttle control. Nonetheless, Hampshire remained confident on the ever-changing track and followed Levi for the entirety of the eight-lap contest. Both riders (he and Kitchen) weren't focused on where Jett Lawrence was for this particular segment, and solely relied on the changing of the flag(s) for motivation to push toward the race's conclusion. He eventually gathered a notable second-place run (in this condensed main event format), which had him more motivated than ever prior to embarking on the finalé. Once here, Hampshire was designated as the leader of the first complete lap and took reign of the field in stride...though there was little that could thwart the charge of Jett Lawrence as the red plate holder continued to put as much power to the ground as possible. Lawrence was patient and was pressuring RJ, hoping to see a mental lapse occur on behalf of the Husqvarna athlete. But that never occurred, and Hampshire remained steadfast and engaged on the task at hand while nearing the halfway point. However it was on the seventh circuit when Lawrence saw an opportunity to steal the leading designation from RJ, in the corner following the whoops...running into the side of his shroud with a bit of an aggressive mood! Hampshire wouldn't lose his composure though and stood tall amongst the line of fire in second, which was maintained from that point forward for the entirety of the moto that followed. And as the checkered flag was eventually thrown, it was Hampshire who claimed the runner-up designation, which is an accolade to build from in the races that are on the horizon this summer.

More from GRIT