RJ HAMPSHIRE GRIT-221 250MX

RJ HAMPSHIRE | GRIT-221 | SX 250

Returning to the professional motocross circuit seeking to contend for a title, Husqvarna's RJ Hampshire would be sensational at Fox Raceway after qualifying seventh as practice times were finalized. He would carry an attitude and outlook of victory into the moto's that followed, where he rocketed out of the gate and would immediately be contending with Jo Shimoda amongst a flurry of passing attempts between he and the Kawasaki rider! They truly were riding on the edge of sustainable speeds, with countless wash-outs and near mishaps occurring as they swapped from outside to inside and so forth! They both had made their way around Jalek Swoll, and Hampshire would finally make a definitive pass (with a brilliant inside move, before the mechanic's area) on Shimoda with just over five-minutes expiring off the clock; where the number twenty-four now had a clear track, when funneling into the first corner. Once here, Hampshire would proceed to engage in countless laps of remarkable speed(s), where his gap over the likes of Max Vohland, Tom Vialle, and many others would constantly grow. The lead would still be amplified to roughly six-seconds (with two laps to go), when Hampshire appeared to spare his energy for the next moto on the horizon. And despite Hunter Lawrence's late race charge, Hampshire was unbothered when crossing the finish line at the conclusion of the moto - with first place in hand! Next to come, was the following moto of action, when Hampshire would unfortunately crash in the second corner. He was now in the very back of the field, but refused to give up while passing riders in bundles. Lap after lap, he would weave through elite talent that was amongst him in this 250cc classification, using unorthodox lines as necessary in order to pass by another opponent. He would make his way into the top twenty around the halfway point, but then a mistake on the steepest hill (at the bottom of the sequence) would have him crashing to the ground once more...which again deterred him from where he truly wanted to go! From that point forward, Hampshire was relentless when watching from various singles, rollers, and tabletops. Flat-landing when necessary in order to gain ground on his adversaries, but his aspirations (again) would lead to him unfortunately falling just after the finish line with only a couple of circuits to go! Luckily he wouldn't lose much time, and still proceeded to keep Ryder DiFrancesco at bay while passing Chance Hymas (as well) in the latter moments! This would position him in eleventh as final scores were assembled, which was strong enough for a much needed third-place, podium overall.

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