After nearly a decade of racing in the 250 Class, RJ Hampshire is making a long-anticipated leap into the premier 450 Class of the Pro Motocross Championship. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team rider will officially debut in the 450 Class this Saturday as the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship roars to life at Fox Raceway in Pala, California.
Since turning professional full-time in 2015, the Florida native has built an impressive career in the 250 division. Known for his gritty performances and relentless work ethic, Hampshire has been a consistent contender in both Supercross and Pro Motocross. His efforts culminated in 2024 when he clinched the 250SX West Championship title, a long-awaited breakthrough that showcased his speed, experience, and determination. In 2025, Hampshire carried that momentum into the 250SX East division, where he fought a fierce championship battle against rivals Tom Vialle and Seth Hammaker, ultimately finishing third in a tightly contested series.
However, Hampshire’s journey to the 450 Class has been anything but smooth. His transition was temporarily delayed by a significant wrist injury he suffered just days before the start of the 2024 Pro Motocross season. The diagnosis—a perilunate dislocation and fractured scaphoid—required surgical intervention, forcing Hampshire to step back and focus on recovery. Though he returned to racing, the lingering pain from the initial injury continued to affect his performance.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season in Salt Lake City, Hampshire underwent wrist surgery once again—this time to remove a previously installed plate. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team referred to the latest procedure as “minor,” and the attending surgeon expressed confidence that it would finally relieve the pain that had plagued Hampshire throughout the Supercross season.
Reflecting on the procedure, Hampshire offered more detail earlier this year: “My surgery wasn’t a small one—they had to take the screw out, put a plate in, and basically restart the whole process we began back in June.” Despite the setback, Hampshire remained committed to recovery and focused on the goal of finally making his 450 debut.
Now, with the injury behind him and training well underway, Hampshire is ready for the next chapter in his career. “Moving from a 250 to a 450 is a pivotal moment in any racer’s career, and I’m excited to be making that transition for the outdoors with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team,” he shared. “I’ve always enjoyed riding a 450, and now I finally get the opportunity to race one full-time.”
He added, “We’ve been putting in the work to make the transition as smooth as possible, and I’m feeling confident and ready for the season to kick off. After the way the Supercross championship ended, I’m more motivated than ever and ready to embrace the grind this summer.”
As one of the most experienced riders in the field, RJ Hampshire brings both speed and a seasoned mindset to the 450 Class. With a supportive team behind him and a renewed sense of determination, fans can expect to see a focused and fiery Hampshire as the gate drops at Fox Raceway. His debut marks not only a new chapter for his career but also a potentially game-changing addition to the competitive landscape of the 2025 Pro Motocross Championship.