New Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing recruit Ryder DiFrancesco delivered an exceptional third-place finish at Anaheim’s 2026 AMA Supercross Championship opener on Saturday night, racing to a first-career 250SX podium result after leading his share of laps in the Main Event. Western division standout DiFrancesco started the day strongly inside Angel Stadium, qualifying fourth during the afternoon session and dialing in his Husqvarna FC 250 Factory Edition to quickly find comfort in the technical, dry conditions. Lining up for the second Heat Race of the event, the 20-year-old recovered from a difficult start to climb to fifth position, continuing his early-season form to head directly into the Main Event. DiFrancesco was fast out of the gate in the Main Event, scoring an important holeshot and holding onto the lead through the opening stages of the race. In the end, the popular Californian would find himself on the 250SX podium for the first time in his young career with a well-earned third-place result. “Today was good!” reflected DiFrancesco. “All day, I just wanted to be on the board in each practice, then the Heat Race was just okay. In the Main Event, we got the holeshot, and then I just tried not to look back from there – I wanted to lead as many laps as I could, and tonight was a big learning step. We’d like to lead more laps next weekend, continue to build, and try to land on the podium like this each weekend to give us a good shot at the title. This cements the work we’ve done in the off-season – I’m ready for more, now.” In his first full Supercross season in the 450SX ranks, RJ Hampshire posted the 11th-fastest qualifying time in the afternoon at Anaheim 1, as he continues to build comfort and familiarity onboard the Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition in the tight confines of stadium competition. Hampshire managed to finish in eighth position following his Heat Race, before a costly fall in the whoop section early in the Main Event impacted his final result on the night. The focus now shifts to next weekend in San Diego for the former 250SX West title winner. “A1 was a challenge all day,” commented Hampshire. “I started out alright and was building throughout the day, but then in the Heat Race I unfortunately got tagged and went down. We aimed for an entry into the Main Event from there, which we were able to, and I was in a decent spot after the race restart once we got going in the Main. By the third or fourth lap in, I had a big one in the whoops, so that made for a tough night in the end. The main thing for Round 1 was building experience, getting some data for the bike to further develop a Supercross setting for me, and I think we’ll be much better from next weekend onwards.” Following a solid off-season, that momentum continued for 450SX challenger Malcolm Stewart and his Husqvarna FC 450 Factory Edition during the sold-out Anaheim 1 season-opener, where he powered to the fourth-fastest qualifying time leading into the night program. The experienced fan favorite then recorded sixth position in his Heat Race and had his sights set on a strong Main Event, however, Stewart's night would come to an abrupt end following a scary multi-rider incident on the opening lap. He sustained a left shoulder injury in the impact, with further updates on his status to be made once available. Next Race: January 17 – San Diego, California Results 450SX Class – Anaheim 1. Eli Tomac (KTM) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Jorge Prado (KTM) 10. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 18. RJ Hampshire (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) 22. Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds 1. Eli Tomac, 25 points 2. Ken Roczen, 22 4. Jorge Prado, 17 10. Aaron Plessinger, 12 18. RJ Hampshire, 4 22. Malcolm Stewart, 0 Results 250SX Class – Anaheim 1. Max Anstie (Yamaha) 2. Chance Hymas (Honda) 3. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) Standings 250SX Class 2025 after 1 of 10 rounds 1. Max Anstie, 25 points 2. Chance Hymas, 22 3. Ryder DiFrancesco, 20
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