RJ Hampshire Making Pro Motocross Season Debut This Weekend
After a crash and wrist injury suffered on media day before the AMA Pro Motocross Championship opener, RJ Hampshire is making his season debut this weekend. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider returned to riding recently and was cleared to go racing last week, although he was not ready to race yet. Hampshire posted on Instagram, “he first few days back on the bike have not been great, I’ll be honest” then said, “I’m not ready to go racing this weekend but will take it day by day to see if I can be worth something before SMX starts!”
But this morning, it was announced the Florida native would be lining up at this weekend’s Budds Creek National. Note, two of Hampshire’s four Pro Motocross overall wins have been at the Budds Creek: 2018 and 2022, with the former being his first career Pro Motocross overall win.
Through 26 rounds of the SuperMotocross World Championship, Hampshire sits 14th in the 250SMX qualifying standings (standings below) as the 2024 250SX West Region Champion looks to get back up to race speed before the SMX Playoffs start September 7 in North Carolina.
Below is the full release from Husqvarna:
ROCKSTAR ENERGY HUSQVARNA'S RJ Hampshire RETURNING FOR BUDDS CREEK NATIONAL
BACK ON TRACK FOR FINAL ROUNDS OF 250MX SERIES FOLLOWING WRIST INJURY
RJ Hampshire will make his anticipated return to competition in Round 10 of the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider set to make his first outdoor appearance of the season at the Budds Creek National.
After capturing the 250SX West title in the AMA Supercross Championship in May, Hampshire was unfortunately injured during media day at Fox Raceway's opening round of Pro Motocross. Following an extensive recovery period, he is now fit to rejoin the 250MX Class for the final two rounds onboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Rockstar Edition.
"It’s been a tough injury, but I feel like there is no better way to get ready for the SMX rounds than getting some gate drops in,” Hampshire commented. “I have had a few days back on the bike and the last couple days were good enough to make the call on going racing this weekend. Budds is one of my favorite tracks and has always treated me well in the past – see you Saturday!"
Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager:
"The team is very excited to have RJ back on the bike to close out the Pro Motocross season. It was a tough break when RJ sustained an injury at press day for the opening round at Pala, especially after his impressive finish to the 2024 Supercross season where he clinched the West Coast Championship. RJ has shown incredible dedication and resilience during his recovery, and we're excited to see him back in action. As we set our sights on the SuperMotocross season starting in September, it's crucial for RJ to get some valuable seat time before the SMX season kicks off. We’re confident that his return will be a strong one and look forward to logging laps and gate drops at Budds Creek and Ironman before shifting our focus to SMX."
Hampshire's late inclusion in the final portion of Pro Motocross will count toward his seeding position for the upcoming SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) Playoffs, which will commence on Saturday, September 7, at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He finished third in the inaugural 250SMX point standings last season.
| Position | Rider | Hometown | Qualifying Points | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Haiden Deegan | Temecula, CA  | 649 | 166 |
| 2 |  Tom Vialle | Avignon, France  | 584 | 132 |
| 3 |  Pierce Brown | Sandy, UT | 400 | 131 |
| 4 |  Jo Shimoda | Suzuka, Japan  | 470 | 130 |
| 5 |  Jordon Smith | Belmont, NC | 430 | 124 |
| 6 |  Levi Kitchen | Washougal, WA | 600 | 120 |
| 7 |  Julien Beaumer | Lake Havasu City, AZ | 339 | 108 |
| 8 |  Max Anstie | Newbury, England, United Kingdom  | 270 | 97 |
| 9 |  Ty Masterpool | Paradise, TX | 316 | 88 |
| 10 |  Cameron McAdoo | Sioux City, IA | 120 | 72 |
| 11 |  Ryder DiFrancesco | Bakersfield, CA | 338 | 72 |
| 12 |  Garrett Marchbanks | Coalville, UT | 172 | 71 |
| 13 |  Nick Romano | Bayside, NY | 214 | 55 |
| 14 |  Jett Reynolds | Bakersfield, CA | 99 | 37 |
| 15 |  R.J. Hampshire | Hudson, FL | 260 | 36 |
| 16 |  Talon Hawkins | Temecula, CA | 139 | 36 |
| 17 |  Lux Turner | Gardnerville, NV | 62 | 36 |
| 18 |  Coty Schock | Dover, DE | 220 | 30 |
| 19 |  Henry Miller | Rochester, MN | 83 | 26 |
| 20 |  Chance Hymas | Pocatello, ID | 465 | 23 |
