Supercross: R.J. Hampshire signs with Troy Lee Designs Ducati
The newsroomUpdated on October 8, 20263 minR.J. Hampshire signs a multi-year deal with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati and will ride the Desmo450 MX in the 450 class from 2027, the team announced.
Key point
R.J. Hampshire signed a multi-year contract with the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati factory team on 7 October 2026 and will ride the Desmo450 MX in the 450 class from 2027.
American rider R.J. Hampshire is joining the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing team. The announcement, made on 7 October 2026, is for a multi-year contract: from 2027 he will ride the Ducati Desmo450 MX in the 450 class, in both supercross and motocross.
What the team announced
Hampshire has already done his first day on the Desmo450 MX and says he took many positives from it. According to Motocross Action, he leaves FLY Racing and will now wear Troy Lee Designs gear. Team manager Josh Wisenor sees an established 450 rider and former champion who can take both the team and the bike to the next level. Motocross Action points out that the first real test will be the 2027 Supercross opener at Anaheim.
R.J. Hampshire's record
Hampshire has been a professional since 2014. His résumé includes:
- the 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West title, with three wins in that series;
- four AMA Pro Motocross 250 wins;
- third in the 2023 SuperMotocross 250 standings.
In the 450 class he has scored 11 top-five finishes in two years, including two podiums. He was fifth in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in 2025 and in 2026, with a podium at Ironman Raceway this season. At the Motocross of Nations he has represented the United States, including the silver medal in 2025.
A young team
2026 was the team's first season of competition. Its best result is fourth overall at Hangtown in motocross. It finished 11th in supercross and posted seventh and tenth overall results in motocross. Hampshire's arrival is meant to move this still-developing Ducati programme up a step.
Key points
- Announcement of 7 October 2026: multi-year contract.
- Bike: Ducati Desmo450 MX, 450 class, from 2027.
- He leaves FLY Racing for Troy Lee Designs gear.
- First test: the Anaheim supercross opening 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Who is R.J. Hampshire?
An American supercross and motocross rider, professional since 2014, 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West champion and fifth in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship in both 2025 and 2026.
Which bike will he ride in 2027?
The Ducati Desmo450 MX of Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, in the 450 class.
How long is the contract?
The team describes it as multi-year without giving the exact length.
Sources
- Motocross Action — R.J. Hampshire officially signs with Troy Lee Designs Ducati
- MX Vice — Hampshire signs multi-year deal with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati
- Supercross Live — R.J. Hampshire signs with Ducati for 2027
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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