RJ HAMPSHIRE GRIT-225 250MX

RJ HAMPSHIRE | GRIT-225 | 250MX

The determination of RJ Hampshire was something that couldn't be quantified, as the rider from Florida was unmatched in terms of effort and desire to win. Many would pick him as a pre-race favorite prior to action beginning in Michigan, and after qualifying fifth, there was little to doubt on behalf of the Husqvarna rider! He would fight through the first lap of moto number one to initially reside eighth, pulling tear-off's as quickly as possible while the rear wheel would attempt to slide-out on him amongst numerous occasions. But the throttle-twisting aspirations of Hampshire never wavered, where he had moved into a comfortable flow of sixth as minutes transpired and he sought to overtake Justin Cooper. Hampshire then took advantage of Cooper's mistake before LaRocoo's Leap, where the Yamaha rider would crash; pushing him to fourth while he then looked to move forward (and around) Seth Hammaker. Hampshire would eventually do just that before the eleventh lap was completed, which was crucial with little time remaining...and though the distance to surpass Haiden Deegan was too much to overcome, Hampshire's clenching of third would be admirable given the amount of competition he was facing. For the second moto of the afternoon, RJ's chaotic first lap sequence would leave him in twenty-first (alongside Seth Hammaker) as the two factory riders then proceeded to make as many moves as possible. Hampshire was showing absolutely no fear as he pushed the outer boundaries of the raceway, keeping the engine of the Husqvarna revved to its maximum extent while he infiltrated the top-ten. Hammaker, and his teammate Jalek Swoll, along with Daxton Bennick and countless others would be passed; with Hampshire's front number plate covered with Michigan soil, and the gritty expression of the Floridian almost radiating through his helmet as he stormed to the final lap. This was a points saving endeavor for the veteran, especially as Hunter Lawrence had crashed out in the first turn; therefore his urgency was justified, as he combatted head-shake and a swapping of the rear-end on more than one occasion! He was doing everything he could to work his way into a top-five overall standing, and with a seventh in the final moto eventually being obtained, it was an overall score of fifth that was claimed by the veteran of the division; one in which he looks to improve on, for round six of the outdoor championship.

More from GRIT