'This was probably the best 15th I've had in my life' – Hampshire

250SX East contender moves to within three points of series lead.

Image: Octopi Media.

Following a chaotic night of racing at Saturday night’s Foxborough Supercross round, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire has expressed that his lowly result in the 250SX East class main event was likely the best 15th-place finish of his career.

Hampshire launched out of the gates on a rain-soaked Gillette Stadium circuit, having held almost a bike-length advantage on the field. It would all come unraveled, however, when the number 24 went to turn into the first corner, aquaplaning dramatically and going down.

Collecting Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki) among others in the process, Hampshire had his work cut out for him, coming through the field in what were ultra-challenging conditions.

Following additional crashes, Hampshire would eventually finish the race in P15 and ultimately close the gap from 10 points to three in the 250SX eastern division championship with four rounds remaining.

“The goal coming in was just to put it in the main event and try to make up some points toward the championship,” reflected Hampshire. “This is probably the best 15th I’ve had in my life! I pulled a massive start and then just hydroplaned into the first turn, went down four or five more times, but clawed back some points in the series, and now we’re only three down with four [rounds] to go.”

It was a significant swing in the regional point-standings, with defending champion Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) making a series of late race mistakes that relegated him from fifth to 22nd – following a DNF – on the night.

For Hammaker, he would recover to a ninth-place finish, which now sees him share the series lead with Vialle on 99 points, followed by Hampshire in third on 96 as riders prepare for this year’s second 250SX Showdown in Philadelphia this Saturday night.