Image: Octopi Media.

The chances of a 250MX overall victory for RJ Hampshire at High Point were severely impacted by an early second moto mishap, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider feeling ‘like I kinda let one slip away again today’ after a win in race one.

In the second turn during moto two, Hampshire made contact with teammate Jalek Swoll, bringing both riders down and seeing the number 24 remount well outside the top 20.

“That one was on me, it wasn’t really out of anyone’s control, I came in too fast to that corner and I shouldn’t have done that,” Hampshire explained. “Overall for the day I was stoked to get out of the gate good both motos, which I have been struggling with the last couple of weekends.

“My bike has been awesome, just feel like I kinda let one slip away again today with a bad split-second decision, just need to be better with that.”

Hampshire was able to recover to finish seventh in that race, and despite scoring the most points on the day after a penalty handed to Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC), he was second overall to the red plate-holder’s 3-1 scorecard.

“In the first moto I got out with the holeshot, led a lot of laps, had a mistake, and came through the pack again for the win,” said Hampshire. “In the second moto I got another good start and made a mistake.

“I came in too hot into the second turn and ended up taking my teammate out. Of course, that was a bummer for me, him, and the whole team. We recovered…I was able to get back up to seventh for second overall on the day. I’m just going to enjoy this weekend off and I look forward to these next couple of races. I’m feeling awesome on this bike and excited to go racing.”

The race one success marked Hampshire’s second moto win of the season, also victorious in the opening bout at Fox Raceway before two crashes early in the second race cost him a chance at the first round overall.

Eight motos into the 2023 250MX Championship, Hampshire is third in the title race and 42 points from red plate-holder Lawrence.