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Rockstar Energy Husqvarna has revealed that RJ Hampshire underwent surgery following the 2025 Supercross finals, setting him up for his 450MX debut at Fox Raceway this Saturday after having hardware removed from his problematic wrist.

The 29-year-old took the 250SX East title down to the wire in Salt Lake City despite managing ongoing pain in his wrist, eventually finishing third in the standings.

It was press day at Pala last year that Hampshire initially sustained his wrist injury, able to return toward the end of the season, but continuing to experience issues into the off-season. His medical team have indicated that removing the plate will alleviate pain throughout his motocross campaign.

Hampshire was originally slated to defend his western division crown before a re-aggravated wrist delayed his start to the season and forced him to transfer to the east coast series. It was critical for his outdoor prospects to have his plate removed in the lead-up to Pala and the 11-round Pro Motocross Championship.

“RJ’s season took a different path due to his injury and off-season surgery, but he showed his resilience by jumping into the east coast series and giving it everything he had,” explained team manager, Nathan Ramsey. “Watching him battle through to the very end in Salt Lake was a testament to his determination.

“Now, as he makes the exciting move to the 450 Class for outdoors, it’s a special moment for all of us at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing to be a part of his journey from 250s to the 450. Although he recently had a minor procedure to remove the plate from his wrist, we’re confident in the medical team’s assessment and believe he’ll perform at the high level we all expect.”

As a result of Hampshire stepping up to the premier class – which he will also do in the 2026 Monster Energy Supercross Championship – the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna team of he and Malcolm Stewart will be a 450-only operation for the remainder of this year.

“Moving from a 250 to a 450 is a pivotal moment in any racer’s career, and I’m excited to be making that transition for the outdoors with the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team,” Hampshire commented. “I’ve always enjoyed riding a 450, and now I finally get the opportunity to race one full-time.

“We’ve been putting in the work to make the transition as smooth as possible, and I’m feeling confident and ready for the season to kick-off. After the way the Supercross championship ended, I’m more motivated than ever and ready to embrace the grind this summer.”