Page 44 - MPG_AUGUST_2017

RYDER DIFRANCESCO
Ryder DiFrancesco is one of the few riders to find immediate success at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, overcoming the pressure cooker of expectations to win a title in his second attempt at the Amateur National Championships. The young rider out of Bakersfield, California did what few have been able to do and backed it up the following year with another title in the 51cc (4-6) class, proving at a young age that he would be a contender for years to come. DiFrancesco found his way back to winning ways in 2015 in the 65cc (7-9) Limited class, and had another exceptional year in 2016 with a pair of second place finishes on his KX65. The Team Dunlop Elite rider has permanently graduated to the 85cc class in 2017, having captured his first AMA title on the higher cc machine at the Motoplayground Race at Ponca City in 2016. DiFrancesco really found his stride throughout spring nationals, starting with a first and a second place overall finish at the MillCreek Spring Classic. The Team Green Kawasaki sensation went on to the remaining spring nationals with a flurry of momentum on his side, subsequently earning eight podium finishes with two overall victories to his name. He was easily one of the fastest riders in the 85cc class in his home state at the California Classic, grabbing two more national titles and a second place overall finish to boot. Ryder D made quick work of the Washougal Amateur Regional in late May, sweeping the 85cc (9-11) class as well as the 85cc (9-12) class with a pair of overall victories. His speed has improved exponentially throughout the season while adapting to the KX85 and it appears DiFrancesco will be in peak form when the gate drops at the Ranch.
44 MPG/GRITMOTO• AUGUST • 2017