Ryder DiFrancesco delivered a crucial second-place finish at SMX Playoff 2 in Los Angeles, moving to within three points of the 250SMX championship lead with just one round remaining in the 2026 SMX World Championship post-season. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider continued his strong playoff form at Dignity Health Sports Park, setting himself up for a dramatic triple-points finale in Missouri next weekend.
The 21-year-old Californian demonstrated impressive pace throughout the Los Angeles round, posting the second-quickest qualifying time with a 51.574s lap aboard his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition. DiFrancesco backed up his speed with a solid second-place finish in Moto 1, separating himself from the chasing pack to bank crucial championship points.
Moto 2 proved more challenging when DiFrancesco was caught up in another rider’s incident after securing a top-three start. However, the young Californian showcased his fighting spirit with an impressive charge through the field to salvage fifth place, ensuring second overall on the night.
“Los Angeles was one of my best weekends as a professional, I’d say,” commented DiFrancesco. “Moto 1 was a lot of fun, and being able to separate yourself from the rest of the field like that is cool. And Moto 2 was one of the best rides of my career, to salvage those points, click off a lot of riders, and give myself a real shot in Missouri.”
DiFrancesco now trails points leader Levi Kitchen by just three points heading into the season finale, where triple points will be on offer. Julien Beaumer took the LA victory, whilst Kitchen finished third to maintain his slim advantage atop the standings.
In the 250SMX class, DiFrancesco’s teammate Daxton Bennick struggled with starts but delivered an impressive recovery ride in Moto 1, charging from 16th to ninth. A 12th-place finish in Moto 2 gave him 11th overall, maintaining fifth in the championship standings.
In the premier 450SMX class, RJ Hampshire qualified eighth and produced a consistent 9-6 scorecard for sixth overall at the double-points round. The result elevated Hampshire to eighth in the standings. The Husqvarna rider showed strong pace throughout the day, particularly in Moto 1 where he recovered from an early mistake to post his best supercross performance on the 450.
“I felt the best I have on a 450 inside a stadium,” said Hampshire. “I’m feeling good for this last round, so we’ll look to end it on a good note.”
Teammate Malcolm Stewart qualified 10th and finished eighth overall with consistent moto finishes, moving up to 12th in the championship. Jorge Prado dominated the 450SMX class with another victory, extending his points lead over Haiden Deegan and Hunter Lawrence.
The SMX World Championship concludes in Ridgedale, Missouri on 26th September, where triple points will decide both titles.
Photo: Husqvarna Media
