Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 4:00 PM
American Motorcyclist Association Announces R.J. Hampshire To Join United States Motocross of Nations Team
Hampshire joins talented duo as the United States seeks victory while hosting the 2025 MXoN
| Sept. 25, 2025 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: Jack Emerson Phone: 630-656-4308 E-mail: [email protected] PICKERINGTON, Ohio — As the United States aims to defend its homeland during the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations on Oct. 3-5 in Crawfordsville, Ind., the American Motorcyclist Association announced that R.J. Hampshire will join the team. Due to injury, Chase Sexton will no longer be able to compete for the United States at the 2025 Motocross of Nations. Filling his void is R.J. Hampshire, who will join Eli Tomac and Haiden Deegan on the team, managed by AMA Director of Racing Mike Pelletier. “We’re deeply grateful to R.J. for stepping in at such short notice to represent his country,” Pelletier said. “R.J.’s commitment and professionalism is outstanding, and I know he is honored and excited to represent the United States on home soil.” Tomac will race in the MXGP class while Deegan will compete in the MX2 Class and Hampshire will seek victory in the Open Class. Hampshire also brings a championship pedigree to the table, previously winning the 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West title. He also enjoyed a strong showing in the 2025 AMA Pro Motocross season, finishing fifth in the 450 class, coming on the heels of his third-place finish in the 250SX East class during the 2025 AMA Supercross season. “[I’m] really excited to get the chance to race for Team USA again! It’s an honor to race for this country and one I’ll never take for granted. Even if I wasn’t the first pick, I’ll always answer the call and give it everything I’ve got,” Hampshire said. “A lot went into making this happen last minute, and I can’t thank my sponsors and team enough for pulling it together. Ironman is one of my favorite tracks, and I’m fired up to battle in the front with this team!” Showing his patriotism and willingness to represent his country, Justin Cooper is continuing to train to be prepared to ride if needed. “I would like to offer a sincere appreciation to the versatile Justin Cooper for his unwavering dedication and professionalism,” Pelletier added. “Justin is continuing to train at the highest level in an effort to be ready at a moment’s notice and support his fellow countrymen. This speaks volumes about his character, work ethic, and commitment to the team. His effort behind the scenes does not go unnoticed and is a true unsung hero of the sport and Team USA." The United States seeks its 24th Motocross of Nations title in 2025, having previously won the global competition in 2022 — the last time the Americans hosted the event. Learn more about the 2025 FIM Motocross of Nations at mxonusa.com/ . |
| About the American Motorcyclist Association Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. Besides offering members money-saving discounts on products and services, the AMA also publishes American Motorcyclist, a recently revitalized and monthly full-color magazine (and digital version of same) that covers current events and motorcycle history with brilliant photography and compelling writing. American Motorcyclist is also North America’s largest-circulation magazine. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com |
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MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., manages and produces the world's premier motocross racing series – the Pro Motocross Championship sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. For 2025, the company will also serve as host organizer of the annual FIM Motocross of Nations. MX Sports Pro Racing is an industry leader in off-road powersport event production and management, whose mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., organizes events for thousands of racing athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators.
Visit www.mxsportsproracing.com for more information.