Presented by Fly Racing
This week's episode of the Fly Racing Swapmoto Podcast is an hour long talk with RJ Hampshire. These last few months have been massive for RJ, as he left the GEICO Honda team with a year remaining on his contract to join Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing's 250 program. It was a deal that many knew about during the summer months, but per RJ, the ink wasn't dry until the last race of the nationals.
The team change has had a major impact on Hampshire's life, because it comes with a spot in Aldon Baker's training program alongside Anderson, Webb, Musquin, and Osborne. To make the most of the opportunity, Hampshire has made the hour plus move from his home in Wesley Chapel Florida to Clermont, and has spent the past few weeks doing everything on bakers schedule to be ready for the East coast kick off of the Supercross season. As you'll hear, Hampshire is already seeing physical changes thanks to the intensity of the workouts and the diet.
Hampshire was widely expected to be a constant contender in the 250 when he was signed to GEICO Honda, but things didn't go the way he and the team anticipated due to injuries or performance issues with the CRF250R. All is still good between the rider and the team, something RJ made clear when the topic of getting out of the contract came up, and that's a rare thing in our sport. But with a bike that suits his riding style and increased confidence, it's clear that he has his eye on a title in 2020.