Image: Octopi Media.

Battling through injuries sustained at Hangtown, RJ Hampshire managed seventh overall in his 250MX return at Mt. Morris and labelled the result as ‘probably the hardest 7-7 I’ve ever had.’

Hampshire underwent surgery to keep his lung from collapsing following a fall in the opening moto at round two where he landed on a trackside stake.

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider was sidelined for Thunder Valley as he recovered, and pushed through to finish both races at High Point inside the top seven.

“Today was a tough day but we battled through it,” Hampshire said. “Did what we could, showed up and gave it all I had today. That was probably the hardest 7-7 I’ve ever had in my life.

“I’m glad we showed up and went racing today, though. We’ll have a good weekend off now and we’re headed to my favourite track. I’m looking forward to RedBud.”

Hampshire started the season strongly with an opening moto podium at Fox Raceway. He will be looking to use the weekend break in the championship to regain strength in a bid to return to the rostrum at round five of 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross at Redbud, on 2 July.