In the high-octane world of Supercross, a momentous event is on the horizon. For only the third time, the 250SX Class will witness a clash of titans as two reigning champions, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire and Red Bull KTM’s Tom Vialle, line up side by side. Tampa anticipates an electrifying round and with the stakes higher than ever these athletes are prepared to battle for supremacy on the same track.

This rare occurrence of two reigning 250SX Class champions competing in the same regional championship has only happened twice before in Supercross history. The first instance was in the 2000 season, and the second in 2009. Unfortunately, neither time went well for the riders involved. Despite the hype and anticipation, unforeseen challenges and fierce competition led to disappointing outcomes for the reigning champions. As history looks to repeat itself in this electrifying season, all eyes are on RJ Hampshire and Tom Vialle to see if they can defy the odds and emerge victorious.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna’s RJ Hampshire could not defend his Western Regional 250SX Class Championship due to injury and will contend against Vialle for the Eastern Regional title. Hampshire kicks off his 2025 campaign right in his hometown of Tampa, FL.

Nathan Ramsey (West) and Ernesto Fonseca (East) had a dominant 1999 season, effortlessly clinching their respective 250SX Class Championships. The two riders showcased their talent, combining to win 11 of the 15 250SX Class rounds. Their impressive performances not only solidified their status as top contenders but also set the stage for what many believed would be a thrilling 2000 season.

When it was announced that Nathan Ramsey would compete in the Eastern Regional, he immediately became a favorite alongside Fonseca. However, they faced fierce competition from Stephane Roncada and a rookie phenom named Travis Pastrana. Things went awry for Fonseca right from the Indianapolis Opener, as he tangled with teammate and eventual series Champion Roncada. Fonseca placed eighth in the Opener, managed a podium in the second round, but struggled mightily until his only victory of the season in the Eastern Regional finale. Fonseca finished fifth in the point standings, but a move back to the Western Regional in 2001 ultimately netted him his second 250SX Class title.

Ramsey had a quieter season, finishing sixth in the Opener and missing a large portion of the season due to injury, ultimately finishing 12th in the points. Ramsey returned to form in 2001 but lost a hard-fought Eastern Regional Championship to Pastrana by just eight points.

In 2009, the defending Champions Jason Lawrence (West) and Trey Canard (East) found themselves facing off in the Western Regional. The anticipation was palpable as fans eagerly awaited the showdown between these two Championship athletes who held extremely different personalities yet were universally loved by Supercross fans alike. Both Lawrence and Canard had demonstrated their prowess in the previous season, but the dynamics of competing in the same region added an extra layer of intensity. Despite their championship pedigrees, the season proved to be challenging, with both riders encountering fierce competition and unexpected hurdles. The high expectations and pressure took their toll, resulting in a season that didn’t quite live up to the lofty predictions.

Jason Lawrence only made two starts while Trey Canard missed two, resulting in a sixth-place finish for Canard and a 20th-place finish for Lawrence in the point standings. In the end, it was Ryan Dungey on a Suzuki who edged out Pro-Circuit Kawasaki teammates Jake Weimer and Ryan Morais for the title. Canard bounced back, emerging third in the Western Regional the following season, and went on to have a successful career. However, Jason Lawrence was never able to regain his footing in Supercross after his title-winning season, yet his 2008 title remains unforgettable.

As Tom Vialle and RJ Hampshire prepare to line up side by side, they stand as legitimate title contenders, determined to avoid the fates that befell their predecessors. Both riders bring a wealth of talent, experience, and grit to the 250SX Class. With history as a cautionary tale, Vialle and Hampshire are more focused than ever on defying the odds and solidifying their legacies as Champions who rose above the challenges of facing each other in the same season. The stage is set for an epic showdown, and fans can expect nothing less than spectacular performances from these two athletes and the other top-level athletes who they’ll be facing in the Bay.

Full results here and live results here. If you want to watch it live, then go here. MXlarge will have a full report, highlights, rider interviews and so much more on Sunday morning.

Tampa Supercross - Schedule

12:00pm 250 Group C Free Practice

12:10pm 250 Group B Free Practice

12:20pm 250 Group A Free Practice

12:30pm 450 Group A Free Practice

12:40pm 450 Group B Free Practice

12:50pm 450 Group C Free Practice

1:05pm 250 Group C Qualifying

1:20pm 250 Group B Qualifying

1:35pm 250 Group A Qualifying

1:50pm 450 Group A Qualifying

2:05pm 450 Group B Qualifying

2:20pm 450 Group C Qualifying

3:15pm 250 Group C Qualifying

3:30pm 250 Group B Qualifying

3:45pm 250 Group A Qualifying

4:00pm 450 Group A Qualifying

4:15pm 450 Group B Qualifying

4:30pm 450 Group C Qualifying

7:06pm 250 Heat #1

7:20pm 250 Heat #2

7:34pm 450 Heat #1

7:48pm 450 Heat #2

8:22pm 250 Last Chance Qualifier

8:33pm 450 Last Chance Qualifier

8:53pm 250 Main Event

9:27pm 450 Main Event