Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna seems to have even more team rotation as of today, due to first person information acquired at Glen Helen Raceway this afternoon. The Factory Husqvarna team was seen today testing with RJ Hampshire on the 450. The team did try to conceal it by placing 250 plates on the bike, but it was quite obvious he was on a 450.
Now yes, many 250 riders test on the 450 now and again. But the fact that we’re only a couple weeks out from the outdoors series, and that they had all hands on deck this afternoon, including the WP suspension crew, and full Husqvarna team watching Hampshire specifically. It seems likely he will be attempting the 450 class this summer.
Now this is certainly odd considering the fact that they were only supposed to have Dean Wilson on the 450 for outdoors originally. Since he got hurt, McElrath will be filling in until Wilson returns this summer. This leaves no empty 450 slots. This begs the question, why are they adding another 450 then? Though unconfirmed, it seems Malcom Stewart had planned on racing outdoors for the first time in many years, but due to a knee injury sustained in supercross he will be out. Though this is just rumor, Stewarts mechanic was working with RJ Hampshire today which would seem to back it up.
