Image: Octopi Media.

A determined RJ Hampshire is relieved to be still in the 250SX West title-fight after salvaging a critical 12 points amidst an up-and-down Triple Crown at Anaheim 2.

Hampshire looked like he was on the money at Angel Stadium after taking a commanding wire-to-wire victory in main event one, while his closest rivals battled misfortune.

Unfortunately, it all came undone for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider in the second race, suffering a poor start and off-track excursion before crashing out altogether after his hand slipped through a sand section. He returned for the final encounter only to go down through the whoops and ultimately cross the line P13 for 11th overall.

“Man, what a brutal day,” Hampshire recalled. “The track just had that feeling where it was a bit off. In the first main I started out good and got a holeshot and won. Then the second main was chaos from the beginning. I think it was about the third or fourth lap I just lost my hand in the sand and I had a big one.

“Thanks to Dr. G we were able to tape my shoulder up and gave it all we had for that third main. It’s not ideal, but I think we’re still in it. It could have been much worse and we have a little break now, so we’ll be ready for Oakland in a couple of weeks.”

Now, 17 points separate Hampshire from red plate-holder Jett Lawrence (Team Honda HRC), with the number 24 now third in the points as 250SX West takes a three break before returning at RingCentral Coliseum, Oakland, on 18 February.