RJ HAMPSHIRE - GRIT 237 250SX

RJ HAMPSHIRE | GRIT-237 | 250 SX

Looking to rebound after last week's event amongst the mud of San Francisco, RJ Hampshire aspired to garner as many points his possible as engines fired for this Southern California portion of events. The track had been broken-in significantly well on press day, but the chances of rain throughout the week would have many in the paddock preparing for a "re-run of sorts" as the main event loomed in the distance on Saturday...nevertheless, Hampshire burst onto the track as quickly as possible in qualification to secure prominent lap-times. Scrubbing the double before sprinting by the mechanic's area, he appeared composed while navigating his way to the top tier of the overall leaderboard, which sent him directly into the night show with confidence. Upon launching from the gate to begin his heat race, RJ immediately battled for the top spot on the leaderboard...which was secured, until jumping to the side of the finish line landing, while taking the green flag! Onto the other lane while spinning the bike around, he would lose a tremendous amount of time to his competitors. Luckily, he was able to retain a standing near the top-seven, and would infiltrate an advanced position after a few minutes of action. Seeing the bigger picture, Hampshire would push forward, but not at a reckless pace; remaining calculated as he neared the white flag. Eventually earning a fifth-place residency, Hampshire's gate choice for the finalé was secured. With the main event now a matter of the present, Hampshire eyed the inner-most point of the opening turn as a means to separate himself from the field. He would do so, taking an early lead while immediately being pressured from Levi Kitchen. Kitchen wasn't going to go away that easy, and attempted to double his way past Hampshire in the whoop section, around three and a half minutes in. Though Hampshire nullified the charge, for that duration of time. He would then have to deal with Nate Thrasher; who pressured the Floridian into a subsequent loss of position, with just under four minutes on the clock. The move was made amid the whoop pad and rhythm section thereafter, where lap traffic and tough choices of lines would cause Hampshire to falter a bit - pushing him to third place. The heroic charge on behalf of RJ was broadcast for all to see, however, when the Husqvarna pilot surged forward to within bike lengths of the lead with only three corners to go, a lapped rider would be thrown into the equation; causing RJ to crash just before the mechanic's area...where he rebounded for sixth place, respectively.

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