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RJ looked to have a tough day ahead of him as qualifying began in New York. He qualified just inside the top
twenty and was hoping to get some good starts in the races to redeem himself. When the first moto began, RJ
did not get the start he needed and was sitting around 15th by the end of the first lap. Then, the red flag waved and
it seemed RJ would get another chance at the start. Luckily, it was just what he needed as he restarted and impressive 5th place. RJ was putting down solid laps and keeping the four riders in front of him honest as they neared the halfway point. Then, RJ was forced to drop back to 7th after Hill and Plessinger charged passed him. The rough and tough track started to take a toll on the Honda rider and he began to slip back even more. RJ was able to regain his composure and started to close back in on 8th place, Oldenburg. He was not able to make the pass happen and settled for 9th place. Hampshire did not get the start he was looking for when the gate dropped for the second moto. He was running 12th place early on and was doing everything he could to make some passes. He made his way up to 10th by the halfway point and looked to continue his charge. He did just that and with a little luck, made his way up into 6th place by the time the race was prematurely ended due to another red flag. He would take 5th overall on the day, his best finish of the year.
words/BUBBLANNAN
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