Image: Supplied.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing has officially announced a multi-year agreement with RJ Hampshire, becoming the first new rider confirmed for the developing Desmo450 MX program entering the 2027 Monster Energy SMX World Championship.

The long-anticipated move provides Hampshire, 30, with a new home following the conclusion of his seven-year association with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing, which effectively closed at the end of this past season.

A former 250SX West champion, Hampshire has increasingly established himself in the premier class since stepping up outdoors last year, finishing fifth in the 450MX standings in both 2025 and 2026, with this year’s campaign highlighted by a podium appearance at Ironman Raceway.

“I am super-excited for this opportunity,” Hampshire commented. “They wanted me here just as much as I wanted to be here. 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.”

Hampshire arrives at an important stage in Ducati’s American development after Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing completed its first full season of competition with the Desmo450 MX in 2026.

“We are excited to have RJ joining the team,” explained team manager Josh Wisenor. “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.”

Hampshire is the first incoming rider announced as part of a reshaped roster for 2027, following the departure of Justin Barcia – since confirmed at PMG Suzuki – and the retirement of Dylan Ferrandis at the conclusion of the 2026 SMX season. Joey Savatgy continues to be linked to the second seat.