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RJ HAMPSHIRE
250 MX / 4TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / KUHLHOFF DESIGN / TILLS
>> Geico Honda’s RJ Hampshire truly proved himself a podium competitor this weekend at Southwick. After a rough finish at Redbud last weekend, Florida native, Hampshire lined up for the first 250 moto of the day seeking redemption. As soon as the gates dropped, Hampshire made his presence known as he came ricocheting out of the sandy first turn in the third place spot. After a pass on Aaron Plessinger for second, Hampshire now had his eyes set on the first place spot. His light sand-colored gear camouflaged
with terrain at The Wick as he quickly and quietly approached Alex Martin. Hampshire looked comfortable and confident as he made the pass on A. Mart. for the lead. RJ Hampshire was out front, holding onto his well-deserved lead when misfortune struck the number 31. RJ went down and by the time he got up and got back in the game, he had fallen back to fourth place with a determined Osborne on his rear wheel. RJ Hampshire had to stay calm and motivated if he wanted to hold onto his fourth place spot. Hamp- shire was able to hold onto fourth for a while, but was passed by Jeremy Martin near the end of the moto. The checkered flag flew and RJ Hampshire finished the first moto in a very commendable fifth place spot. Would he once again be a podium contender in the second moto? Only time would tell as the riders lined up for moto number two. The gates dropped and Hampshire was once again proving himself as he cut through the sand and was sitting in fourth place on the first lap of the second moto. RJ Hampshire was stay-
ing steady and putting in consistent laps on a rough track when the dark clouds started
to roll in. Yes, rain started pouring down creating a whole new challenge for everyone. Like many of his competitors, Hampshire quickly ran out of tear-offs and began doing the “hand-wipe” method in attempts to clear his vision, hold onto his fourth place spot, and finish this moto. Soon a determined Savatgy, who has the advantage of tear-offs, finds his way to the rear tire of Hampshire with two laps remaining. RJ Hampshire was not going to lose his hard fought position though, as he flew passed the checkered flag in fourth place. With a 5-4, RJ Hampshire left Southwick with a fourth place overall finish and hopefully a newly found confidence that he can bring along to round eight at Spring Creek.
38 GRITMOTO • JULY 9, 2017