Image: Octopi Media.

The final 250SMX moto at ZMax Dragway saw Ryder DiFrancesco deliver a spirited performance to finish P3 in the race on his way to fourth overall, that result marking the best yet of the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider’s professional career.

DiFrancesco, 18, turned pro full-time this year ahead of the Pro Motocross Championship, racing to a season-best sixth overall at the Ironman Raceway finals.

Building on that momentum, he looked solid throughout the opening post-season event in Charlotte and started the first moto in fifth, before ultimately taking the checkered flag in P7. A better start in race two saw him third after the first turn, and the KX250 rider was able to maintain that position at race’s end to earn a deserved and awaited podium finish.

“I knew this time would come, my career-best finish and a moto two podium!” expressed DiFrancesco. “I cannot express how grateful I am for everyone sticking behind me and believing in me and my program. I am looking forward to the next two rounds.

“The funny thing is, I qualified 16th, but I knew I had a good feeling since Budds Creek and I knew this was time – I put myself in good position, started third and finished third. I’m getting pretty emotional… countless days at the track, it paid off for this.”

With a 7-3 scorecard, DiFrancesco was fourth overall at playoff one and is currently seventh in the 250SMX standings ahead of the playoff two in Chicago. Upon completion of the 2023 season, it is expected DiFrancesco will make the switch from the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team to an MC 250F with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing.