Image: Todd Gutierrez.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire has been forced out of the beginning of the 2024 AMA Pro Motocross Championship with a wrist injury sustained following a crash in the latter stages of press day on Thursday afternoon.

The newly-crowned 250SX West champion will miss Fox Raceway’s opener tomorrow, undergoing immediate surgery on the injury overnight, but a potential return date is yet to be determined.

“The highs and the lows of this sport are sometimes tough to swallow, but unfortunately with RJ taking a spill on press day here at Pala, he has injured his wrist,” commented Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team manager.

“It’s a setback, but we can all get through this – I know that RJ and the crew will stay positive. RJ’s tough and he’s mentally strong, so he’ll be back as soon as possible.”

With Hampshire now sidelined and Guillem Farres still out of action, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing will have Malcolm Stewart and Christian Craig on track in 450MX, as well as rookie Casey Cochran in 250MX, when the gates drop on the new season this weekend.