Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing has signed R.J. Hampshire to a multi-year contract. Starting in 2027, the American will join the factory team and compete in the 450 class aboard the Ducati Desmo450 MX.
With Hampshire, Ducati brings an experienced rider and former champion into its ranks. The American won the 2024 AMA Supercross 250SX West title and has since gained valuable experience in the 450 class. In both 2025 and 2026, he finished fifth in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Last season, he also stood on the podium at the Ironman round.
The move marks a new chapter in Hampshire’s career. He has already completed his first laps aboard the Ducati Desmo450 MX.
“I’m extremely excited about this opportunity. I was immediately interested, so Ziggy and Josh were the first people I called. They wanted me to be part of the team just as much as I wanted to be here. It’s cool to start this partnership with a relatively new team and program. I’m looking forward to giving it everything I’ve got over the coming years, making progress together and putting some results on the board.
“I’ve had my first day on the Ducati Desmo450 and I’m incredibly excited. I took a lot of positives away from it. Riding for Troy Lee is something you dream about as a kid. To get this opportunity at this point in my career feels really special. I was ready for a fresh start and I’m really looking forward to 2027.”
For Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, 2027 will be its second season competing in the American championship. During its debut year, the team invested heavily in developing the Desmo450 MX and the overall racing program. With the arrival of Hampshire, the team is hoping to take another step forward.
Team manager Josh Wisenor also knows Hampshire from the past.
“We’re really happy to have R.J. joining the team. For myself and some key members of the team, it’s especially cool because we’ve worked with him before. Now we’re coming back together at a time when he has developed into an established 450-class rider and former champion. We made good progress with the bike in 2026, and having someone of his calibre can take both the team and the motorcycle to the next level.”
With his multi-year contract, Hampshire is making a clear commitment to continuity within the young Ducati project. From 2027 onwards, he will aim to help Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing move further up the field in the American Supercross and motocross championships.
