Image: Octopi Media.

An intense 250SX showdown in Philadelphia has led RJ Hampshire to label the main event as his ‘toughest ever,’ with the eastern regional championship contender’s third-place ride earning him joint possession of the red plate with three rounds remaining.

Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) has been subject to misfortune with 250SX restarts this season, most notably at the opening round in Tampa. Following a first-turn fall in Philadelphia’s main event, this time, fortune would favor the number 24, with a full red flag restart resulting in a second-start holeshot.

Fighting amongst the west’s top contenders and Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing duo Cole Davies and Haiden Deegan, Hampshire’s focus was on east title-rival Seth Hammaker (Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki), who was lurking behind the trio in fourth.

On a tough and degraded track, Hampshire explains that concentration was at a premium, with his main competitor his own mind at times throughout the race.

“I feel like I couldn’t get out of my own way in the main event, honestly,” commented Hampshire post-race. “I had to focus a lot on hitting my marks. Both Haiden [Deegan] and Cole [Davies] got me, and I was pretty content still because I knew the guys I needed to beat. This was literally the toughest main event I’ve ever had to do, both mentally and physically.”

The 250SX east season has been a remarkable turnaround for Hampshire since round one, where an 18th place finish created a sizeable points deficit in the series. Since then, a string of podium finishes – including a win in Daytona – has brought him back into championship contention, as he currently shares the red plate with Hammaker leaving Philadelphia.

“It’s nuts,” Hampshire commented on this year’s 250SX east title fight. “ I haven’t had these chances in the 10 years of doing this, so yeah, crazy the way it’s all worked out. It seems that right now, things are clicking and going my way, and I just pray that it keeps going this way.

“We weren’t in this position last year with three to go, so yeah, just do the best I can these next couple and shoot for being in the fight at the last round in Salt Lake.”

Hampshire and Hammaker are tied on 117 points, with defending champion Tom Vialle (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) a further two markers behind as the season heads to East Rutherford this weekend.