RJ Hampshire and Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing announced the signing of a multi-year deal that will see the rider compete in the SuperMotocross Championship.
Debuting with three Pro Motocross rounds in 2014, Hampshire scored his first top-10 in the Utah National at Miller Motorsports Park that year. His first top-five came in the Monster Energy Supercross Series four races later at Daytona International Speedway.
Hampshire moved to the Factory Husqvarna team in 2020 and gave them a 250 SX West Championship in 2024. With the announcement that Husqvarna would no longer field a factory team, Hampshire was one of several riders left to seek a ride.
“I am super excited for this opportunity,” said Hampshire. “... To start this relationship off with a newer team and a newer program, I am excited to give them my best for the next couple of years, be able to progress and put in the results. Super excited for this Ducati Desmo 450, had my first day on it and I’m stoked and I’m walking away with a lot of positives. Riding for Troy Lee is something you always dream of as a kid and to have this opportunity at this point in my career I feel super blessed. I’m ready for this refresh and looking forward to 2027.”
Ducati will go through a transition in 2027 after losing both Justin Barcia and Dylan Ferrandis, who were instrumental in establishing the brand as a top contender.
Between them, Ferrandis and Barcia gave Ducati 26 top-10 finishes and three top-fives in the manufacturer’s debut season.
“We are excited to have RJ joining the team,” said Josh Wisenor, Troy Lee Designs Race Team Manager. “It’s exciting for us, myself and core team members that have previously worked with RJ in the past. In a way we are coming back together at a point in his career where he’s more established as a racer and competitor as a top 450 premier-class athlete and past champion. The team as a whole has made good progress with the bike in the 2026 season, and someone of his caliber can take the team and the bike to the next level.”
RJ Hampshire prepared for the 2027 season with a test at Glen Helen Raceway / Troy Lee Designs / Red Bull Factory Ducati
RJ Hampshire prepared for the 2027 season with a test at Glen Helen Raceway / Troy Lee Designs / Red Bull Factory Ducati
