RJ Hampshire Takes the Open Seat
When the SuperMotocross Finale in Las Vegas left Chase Sexton nursing a shoulder injury and concussion, Team USA scrambled for a quick fix. The answer came in the form of RJ Hampshire, a 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West champion who rides for Rockstar Energy Husqvarna. Hampshire confirmed he’ll ride the Open class at the Motocross of Nations showdown on October 3‑5 at Ironman Raceway.
“Representing the United States on home soil is a huge honor,” Hampshire said in a post‑injury press call. “I wasn’t the first name on the list, but I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got. Ironman’s one of my favorite tracks, so I’m pumped.”
This isn’t Hampshire’s first taste of the world stage. He debuted for the U.S. at the 2023 MXoN in Ernée, France, and has since added a solid 2025 450MX season – a fifth‑place finish – plus a second‑overall result at Ironman earlier this year (3‑4 moto scores). Those credentials helped convince USA Cycling officials to slot him in quickly.
Deegan’s Collarbone Won’t Stop Him… Yet
Haiden Deegan, the MX2 hopeful, suffered a broken collarbone in the same Las Vegas incident that sidelined Sexton. The crash happened when Deegan tried a block pass on championship leader Jo Shimoda, sending both riders into a hard fall. Despite the fracture, Deegan has pledged to ride his first MXoN, saying, “I’ll do whatever it takes to get on the track. This is a chance to race for my country, and I’m not backing down.”
Because of the injury risk, AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier announced that Justin Cooper will serve as the MX2 backup should Deegan be unable to start. Cooper, a seasoned rider with solid AMA MX2 results, is already on the team bus, ready to step in at a moment’s notice.
The final lineup now reads: Eli Tomac in the MXGP class, Haiden Deegan (or Justin Cooper) in MX2, and RJ Hampshire in the Open class. Team manager Nathan Ramsey praised the mix, noting that Hampshire’s selection “shows the depth of talent we have at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna and gives Team USA a strong shot at defending our home‑soil advantage.”
Ironman Raceway, located in Crawfordsville, Indiana, offers a unique home‑field edge. The venue’s gritty, mud‑laden berms and long, sweeping jumps have earned a reputation as a true test of rider skill. For American riders, familiarity with the track’s rhythm can translate into crucial seconds over the competition.
Fans are already buzzing about the odds. Tomac’s experience, Deegan’s fearless style, and Hampshire’s recent strong performances create a blend that could challenge the traditional European powerhouses. If Deegan’s collarbone holds up, the U.S. squad will roll out a full‑throttle roster aimed at recapturing the top spot.
Meanwhile, the rest of the MXoN field is shaping up with strong lineups from France, Belgium, and Australia, each hoping to capitalize on any slip‑up from the Americans. The pressure is on, but the excitement is palpable – and for those following the sport, October promises a showdown that could reshape the international motocross hierarchy.
