Chicagoland was a vast improvement from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s RJ Hampshire, elevating to P4 overall at playoff two in what is a timely boost ahead of the 2023 SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) finals at LA Coliseum.

A tough post-season opener in Charlotte saw Hampshire conclude the event a lowly 14th overall, but rebounded rapidly to qualify fastest this past Saturday.

Hampshire got average starts in both motos and, with a consistent 5-4 scorecard, he was able to bank a strong haul of points with fourth overall at the penultimate stop of this year’s SMX schedule.

“This was much improved from last weekend,” said Hampshire. “Last weekend was such a struggle, I was just looking for any type of positive from this weekend and I came out and was P1 in practice… I believe that’s one of my first poles of the season, and then just two solid motos.

“I didn’t get great starts, but I didn’t get terrible starts, so fourth overall on the day. I’m not stoked on it, but it’s a huge improvement so we’ll take that into LA next weekend where it’s a more Supercross track. Hopefully, my back heals from this track today and then I’ll be ready to go next weekend.”

With triple points on offer when the gates drop at LA Coliseum, Hampshire – currently fifth and 27 points from the 250SMX red plate – has an outside shot of still securing a series podium. Following the SMX post-season, he will represent Team USA at Ernee for the 2023 Motocross of Nations between 6-8 October.