Page 10 - ISSUE88

RJ HAMPSHIRE
250 MX / 2ND
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MOTOPLAYGROUND
>> So often in the motocross realm of things, will you nd that lurks just outside of the view of most, only to emerge in dominant fashion with a spark of con dence. Sometimes its string of rac- es placed together, or even a brief moto nish on occasion, and the spark will continue to blaze a trail throughout the foreseeable future. Entre RJ Hampshire, a young man who’s possessed raw speed since the get go, yet struggled at times to put the pieces together. However, it all seemed to come together last week at Budd’s Creek, where the stars would align, and he would be well deserved of spectacular results. And as the Crawfordsville round approached, many in the indus- try, both members and fans alike, expected him to do well following the gate drop. He would squeak into the show, due to the crazy amount of rain the track would receive in the preluding hours. Although he’s a native Floridian and sand rider, he looked to make his statement in the area of Ironman as the moto’s loomed near. Following the gate drop for moto one, a fth place start had him situated rather nicely to begin. Trailing the likes of Cooper, Sexton, Plessinger,
and Ferrandis, he wanted to move forward, but in methodical fashion. Ferrandis looked to stay ahead, and RJ was ready to make a move when the time allowed; however a bike malfunction in the nal moments, would push Hampshire up a spot. Running out of vision, along with radiator coolant, he decided to simply manage his position and walk away from the moto inside the top ve. And that’s exactly what he would do, bringing a fourth place back to the semi. The second moto had him in a splendid position to begin, and he would pressure Plessinger early. A battle of amateur days seem to replay within his memory, and he would try to attack AP in every corner possible. Swinging far and wide to get around the number 23, he would begin to push the pace a bit too much. And unfortunately a slight mishap would push him to fourth on lap six; Nichols and Sexton would now move forward. But he wouldn’t give up, with his throttle hand staying twisted, his legs would ail from time to time, yet he would eye the checkered ag. A third place for the moto, would push him to second overall for the conclusion of the event.
10 GRITMOTO • AUGUST 26, 2018