RYDER DIFRANCESCO - GRIT 237 250SX

RYDER DIFRANCESCO | GRIT-237 | 250 SX

The athlete for the GasGas manufacturer was consistently building his way throughout the 2023 SX Championship thus far...and showed no sign of slowing down as practice was underway in San Diego. Scrubbing his way over the finish line, he remained polished in practice while perfectly timing his way amongst transitions - focusing on the bundles of milliseconds that could be gained, and analyzing the track into pieces rather than viewing the layout in its entirety. The process of critical thinking and flawless technique flourished, sending him soaring into the second heat race of the evening, where a timely leap was critical if he wanted to repeat his performance in San Francisco (securing his first ever heat win). The effort was apparent by the rider who sported the number thirty-four, pivoting through the highest of bowl turns with his body position neutral aboard the GasGas machine. And despite battling with veterans such as Phil Nicoletti and Jordon Smith, Ryder never wavered once within the line of battle. As moments progressed, Ryder remained solidified and did his best to omit mistakes - carving through the smoothest grooves and staying upright while others faltered. Eventually gathering an incredible score of fourth, the Californian would move to the main event with positive momentum. The green flag was then thrown for the 250SX final moto, and Bakersfield's DiFrancesco seemed to be paralleled to those who led the field around. Using every bit of power his engine could generate. His opening position on the leaderboard (i.e. eighth) was one of solid standing, but Ryder knew that events could change at any second due to the troublesome nature of the courses conditions. Skating (via lack of rear wheel traction) in the corner that was alongside the mechanics area, Ryder continuously pinned the throttle while diving into the next left-handed berm; which had become rutted from top to bottom, with a rather slick base. Many corners were like this, as trenches still contained moisture at the foundation and could cause a multitude of problems if a rider was too aggressive with their front brake. However Ryder conformed to the nature of the layout, remaining in a standing behind Hunter Yoder for a significant amount of time (through the eleventh circuit) before making the move once and for all. It was then Mitchell Oldenburg who was ahead, and the crafty veteran wasn't going to let the rookie storm by that easily. The GasGas athlete wouldn't oblige to Oldenburg's commands, and proceeded to hound the rear fender of the Honda rider to the best of his ability. And despite not making his way forward, Ryder's effort (via a final standing of eighth) was worthy of applause as engines ceased in San Diego.

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