Image: Octopi Media.

Another heavy crash in the opening moto at Thunder Valley has spelt the end of RJ Hampshire’s season in Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider breaking his right hand in the incident.

After winning his first national in over a year at RedBud 2, Hampshire has had a difficult couple of rounds at WW Ranch and Lakewood in a disappointing twist for his outdoor campaign.

“It’s a disappointing way to end my season,” Hampshire commented. “I hit the ground hard the past couple weekends and today finished it off. It’s a pain riding injured and always seems to lead to more.

“I have a couple broken bones in my right hand, but everything is in place so surgery shouldn’t be needed. My body needs a few weeks to recover, so I’m bummed for myself and the team, but we have a lot more to look forward to.”

It’s been an injury-hit season for the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team in 250MX, with Michael Mosiman not starting, plus Jalek Swoll and Stilez Robertson already sidelined during previous rounds. 450MX teammates Jason Anderson and Dean Wilson have also been forced to miss much of the season.