Image: Octopi Media.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire will revert his focus to challenging for the 250SX West title after sitting out the night program in Indianapolis.

Hampshire, 27, debuted in 450SX at Daytona and won his heat race before finishing eighth in the main event, prompting him to remain in the premier class for round nine.

However, after qualifying 15th in Indy, the decision was made not to line up in his heat race due to sickness. Instead, Hamsphire will now set his sights on when 250SX West resumes at Lumen Field, but another 450 start hasn’t entirely been ruled out for later in the Monster Energy Supercross season.

“As much as I want to go racing tonight, the team and I decided to sit this one out,” Hampshire recalled. “I was sick all week and just not comfortable out there.

“We did this for experience and, with the track as brutal as tonight will be, I need get back to 100 percent to be ready to battle in Seattle. Thank you Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing for the opportunity. Good chance you see me back on a 450 before the Supercross season is over.”

Hampshire is currently second in the 250 West standings entering Seattle’s fifth round next weekend, the number 24 overcoming his share of adversity to be 20 points outside of red plate-holder Jett Lawrence (Team Honda HRC).