Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing concluded the 2026 AMA Pro Motocross Championship with podium finishes from both RJ Hampshire and Ryder DiFrancesco at the Ironman National on Saturday. Hampshire claimed second overall in the 450MX class, whilst DiFrancesco secured third in 250MX at the season finale.
Hampshire continued his impressive late-season form aboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition, qualifying fifth overall with a 2:10.249 lap time. The 30-year-old delivered a calculated performance across both motos, finishing second in the opening race after advancing from third on the opening lap. A measured sixth-place result in Moto 2 secured second overall on the day and fifth in the final 450MX championship standings.
“It’s awesome to get a podium!” said Hampshire. “Congrats to Hunter and the Lawrences on the championship. As for me, it was just a super-solid day. I didn’t do anything special – I got decent starts, and I have to say a huge thanks to my whole Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team.”
Malcolm Stewart, also competing on the FC 450 Factory Edition, finished 12th in the opening moto after running as high as sixth early on. A DNF in Moto 2 relegated him to 16th overall. Stewart had been sidelined for eight rounds following a knee injury sustained at the Fox Raceway opener, returning for only the final three outdoor rounds.
In the 250MX class, DiFrancesco showcased impressive recovery rides aboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition. After qualifying fourth with a 2:10.810 lap, the Californian charged from 28th on the opening lap to seventh by the chequered flag in Moto 1. Another strong charge in Moto 2 saw him climb from 10th to third, earning 7-3 moto scores for third overall.
DiFrancesco’s consistent performances throughout the season, including podiums at RedBud, Washougal and Ironman, secured him fifth overall in the final 250MX championship standings with five top-five finishes.
“The finale was solid!” commented DiFrancesco. “Both qualifying sessions were good, and I literally came from the back to seventh in the first moto, which was a nice ride, although I’m still frustrated as I feel like I’m leaving a little bit on the table. I think I’ll get off the gate well in SMX though and really show what we can do there.”
Teammate Daxton Bennick showed promise with a fourth-place finish in Moto 1 after a top-five start, but struggled to 16th in the second outing for 11th overall on his FC 250 Factory Edition.
The 2026 SuperMotocross World Championship playoffs commence on 12 September at Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio.
Photo: Husqvarna Media
