R.J. Hampshire joins Ducati for 2027 in major factory move

Hampshire finished fifth in the AMA Pro Motocross 450 standings in both 2025 and 2026. Across his first two years in the class, he recorded 11 top-five finishes and two podiums, including a podium at Ironman Raceway during the 2026 season. Those results make him an important acquisition for a Ducati operation still building its competitive foundation.

The significance extends beyond a conventional rider transfer. Ducati’s first American campaign was fundamentally a development year, with fourth overall at the 2026 Hangtown Pro Motocross round identified as the team’s best result. Hampshire now arrives as a rider expected to help move the Desmo 450MX from promising newcomer toward regular contention.

The move also gives Hampshire a fresh environment at a decisive point in his 450 career. His speed and resilience are established; the next objective is to turn isolated podium-level performances into sustained results. The early adaptation process has already begun, with Hampshire completing his first day on the Ducati and reporting a positive initial impression.