RJ Hampshire OUT For Pro Motocross Opener
Ryan Nitzen | May 24, 2024
This is not the news we wanted to wake up. RJ Hampshire is officially out for round one of the 2024 Pro Motocross Championship after a press day crash on Thursday resulted in a broken wrist. Hampshire was seen in the pits unable to take his boots off and our fears were confirmed this morning with an official word from the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team.
RJ Hampshire suffered a broken wrist at Thursday’s media session. Photo: Husqvarna.
“Not the post I want to make,” Hampshire said via social media. “Riding press yesterday I hit a rock in a high speed section that was about the size of a basketball. It happened so fast and I hit the ground immediately. I did some damage to my wrist that will put me out for a bit. The treatment we got at Loma Linda Hospital was unbelievable. Surgery went well and already started on the recovery.”
The 28-year-old, fresh from capturing the 250SX West Championship in AMA Supercross two weeks ago, underwent immediate surgery yesterday evening, but it remains unclear when he will be fit to return to the 11-round outdoor series.
“The highs and the lows of this sport are sometimes tough to swallow,” said Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager Nathan Ramsey. “Unfortunately with RJ taking a spill on press day here at Pala, he has injured his wrist. It’s a setback, but we can all get through this – I know that RJ and the crew will stay positive. RJ’s tough and he’s mentally strong, so he’ll be back as soon as possible.”
Hampshire went in for immediate surgery on Thursday night.
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing looks forward to welcoming RJ back once he is back to 100 percent health. The team will field Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig in 450MX, as well as rookie Casey Cochran in 250MX, at this Saturday’s season-opening Fox Raceway National.