It’s not uncommon to see experienced 250 riders make a guest appearance in the 450 class when the AMA Supercross series moves to Daytona International Speedway for Bike Week. This time around it was RJ Hampshire’s turn to make the jump up for a sample of 450 action at the World Center of Racing, and he made a quick impression on the tough circuit aboard his FC 450 Rockstar Edition.
When the gate dropped for the second 450 heat of the night, it was RJ Hampshire jumping into the lead, followed by his Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing teammate, Christian Craig. RJ held the lead until the finish, trailed by of a trio of championship contenders; with Craig finishing fifth. In the main event, both riders battled in the top ten, with Hampshire ultimately finishing eighth, and Craig tenth.
“Man, it was an awesome day, and an awesome experience,” Hampshire said. “Murph pushed hard for it, believed I could do it, and we got all the other guys on board. I was just happy I was able to prove myself today. We were solid from the beginning of the day, really. My qualifying times were decent, P5. I holeshot the heat, led a few laps, and then reality hit that I might win this thing. I won my first heat, my first time ever trying to do it, and first ever race on a 450, so that was awesome. The main event start was decent and I just kind of rode my own race. I didn’t really race anyone hard and wanted to finish in the top ten of my first main and I did that. I’m just really stoked on our whole day and like I said, for the team giving me a chance to come out here and race tonight.”
