RJ HAMPSHIRE - GRIT 250 250SX

GRIT-250 | 250 SX

June 3rd, 2024 6:30 pm

The battle for the overall title in the 250cc SX West Coast series was intense...and RJ Hampshire was in the middle of it, with Washington's Levi Kitchen. Knowing what was at stake in Denver, Hampshire aspired to bring an unrivaled presence to the racetrack for qualification purposes on Saturday afternoon. He would do just that, and took that momentum into the second heat race of the evening where he began fourth. A quick pass on KTM's Julien Beaumer, was admirable - and then he saw the battle between Ryder DiFrancesco and Nate Thrasher taking place, just bike lengths ahead of him. He remained ready to pounce on any opportunity that presented itself, and after Thrasher moved by via a brilliant inside line in the longest rhythm section, Hampshire would replicate the tactic on the fourth lap that followed! Now into the runner-up standing, RJ wasn't going to quit when pursuing the victorious honor - and gave it all he had while the white flag waved. Multiple inside pathways were searched and embarked on, but in the end, Hampshire was just a bit too far behind that of Nate to take the win - where the Floridian was designated second at the checkered flag. Now into the main event, Hampshire's starting sequence and opening lap were rather tough - where he collided with Nate Thrasher in the middle portion of the switchback berm sequence. Though remaining upright, it was evident that the hit caused a ripple effect of sorts and knocked RJ off of his desired line. Nevertheless, he continued to charge and remained right behind Jordon Smith. He would hound the North Carolina resident until just after four minutes of racing had transpired, where he forced Smith to the outside in the end-zone rhythm lane...and Jordon would leap into the tuff-blocks and off of the race track! This granted Hampshire the third-place position, where he resided while trying to gain time on both, Jo Shimoda and Levi Kitchen. But the gap was too much too truly overcome...though Hampshire's aspirations would lead him to the rear wheel of the Kawasaki rider with only minutes to go. Knowing what was at stake with the Washington native within reach, Hampshire strove to make the move as the checkered flag neared - but was forced to reside in the bronze medal position as he crested the final double. This, would only make the championship battle in Salt Lake City, that much more intense!

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