RJ Hampshire earned the Pro Circuit Platinum Pipe Award at the Thor Winter Olympics at Gatorback. Photography by Luke Lovrek.
(Gainesville, Fl., December 1) It’s all over in Florida where the 42nd Thor Winter Olympics (aka Mini O’s) wrapped up at Gatorback Cycle Park after a near full week of racing. More than 3300 entries were filled out in 77 total classes. When all was said and done, AMSOIL/Factory Connection/GEICO Honda’s RJ Hampshire was the talk of the town.
The rider from Hudson, Florida, came away with five class championships, two in Supercross and three in motocross, and was presented with the prestigious Pro Circuit Platinum Pipe Award, which goes to the top rider overall, including both Supercross and motocross.
Hampshire was dominant in the motocross portion. He won five out of eight motos with his worst finish being a third in one of the 450 A motos. In Supercross, he claimed two titles.
Hampshire also went home with the Dunlop Silver Tire Award, which is given to the top A-class rider.
Bryce Mauldin, of Webster, Florida, was the recipient of the Scott Golden Goggle Award for being the top amateur (C-class) rider. He grabbed four titles all coming in the motocross segment.
Illinois’ Chase Sexton was presented with the Fox Bronze Boot Award, which is given to the top points earner in the youth division. The Yamaha rider claimed four titles – two in Supercross and two in motocross – in the 85/Mini divisions.
One of the many standout riders of the week was Keith Tucker. The B-class racer from North Carolina pretty much came out of nowhere to claim five class championships on his Triangle Cycles/Factory Connection-backed Yamaha.
Utah’s Garrett Marchbanks had a success week as well. The Monster Energy/Team Green Kawasaki rider claimed three out of four titles in the 85 (9-11) ranks. Two of his titles came in Supercross, where he topped both the 85 (9-11) and 85 (9-11) Limited classes.
Missouri’s Austin Fornker also had a week to remember. He went undefeated in four of the Supermini classes that the Monster Energy/Team Green Kawasaki rider competed in.
Florida’s own Hannah Hodges was also a three-time title winner in the Girls and Women’s 14+ divisions.
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