Anaheim, California, January 10, 2026 – The 2026 Monster Energy SuperMotocross season opened at Angel Stadium under the lights, and for Bakersfield, the focus was on Ryder DiFrancesco. Representing his hometown, Ryder carried the weight of a local fanbase into the opening round, and his night unfolded lap by lap through heats, Main Event, and evolving track conditions.
250SX HEAT 1
Haiden Deegan grabbed the holeshot and led the early laps, navigating the slick corners and rhythm sections with precision. Ryder DiFrancesco started mid-pack but rode smart, taking inside lines to avoid traffic and conserve traction. He finished 5th, earning a front-row gate pick for the Main Event. His performance displayed early composure and adaptability, setting the stage for a night that would become historic for the Bakersfield rider.
250SX HEAT 2
Max Anstie led every lap of Heat 2 with smooth line selection through turns and rhythm sections. Levi Kitchen and Chance Hymas followed in second and third. The track continued to evolve, developing deeper ruts and slicker surfaces that would challenge the Main Event competitors.
450SX HEATS
Jorge Prado won Heat 1, marking a milestone in his U.S. Supercross career, while Ken Roczen took Heat 2. Both riders showcased clean execution through the rhythm sections and triples. While secondary to Ryder’s story, Prado’s emergence added context to the competitive field.
250SX MAIN EVENT
Ryder DiFrancesco nailed the holeshot, taking control in the opening corners. He led the first laps through slick corners and the deepening ruts of Angel Stadium’s track, carrying momentum cleanly through rhythm sections and technical triples. His inside lines allowed him to maintain traction while the track deteriorated around him.
Max Anstie closed in and executed a clean pass in the first rhythm section on Lap 8, moving into the lead. Chance Hymas followed two laps later, taking second. Ryder settled into third, keeping a consistent pace that prevented the rest of the field from catching him. Throughout the race, he maintained focus and line precision, and on the final lap, he posted the fastest lap of the night, cementing his podium finish.
DiFrancesco’s third-place finish marked the first career Supercross podium for the rider from Bakersfield in the 250SX class, highlighting his status as a hometown contender. He said “I dream about this shit” but when asked about his mustache after his podium, (he previously said if he won, he would shave it) he said with a smirk “the mustache is staying”. Haiden Deegan finished fourth after riding aggressively but never gaining enough ground, while Levi Kitchen rounded out the top five. Every lap demonstrated how consistent pace, adaptability, and mental composure shaped the outcome.
450SX MAIN EVENT
The 450SX race opened aggressively, with a first-lap crash involving Justin Barcia and Malcolm Stewart bringing out a red flag. Barcia was alert, talking, and transported to a hospital for evaluation, and Stewart was treated in the med tent and released at the track.
At the restart, Jorge Prado grabbed the holeshot, while Eli Tomac, riding his new bike for the 2026 season, executed calculated line choices to move into the lead. The bike change mattered: Tomac had to adapt immediately to new suspension settings, geometry, and throttle response while managing the evolving track conditions. He carried momentum through every rhythm section, technical triple, and slick corner, holding off Ken Roczen to finish first. Prado finished third, achieving a podium alongside his heat win and marking a milestone in his U.S. Supercross career. Stunned in his post race interview he said “ this shouldn’t be now…. Maybe at the end of the year or next year” Hunter Lawrence and Jason Anderson completed the top five.
RESULTS
250SX Main Event:
1. Max Anstie 2. Chance Hymas 3. Ryder DiFrancesco (Bakersfield native) 4. Haiden Deegan 5. Levi Kitchen
450SX Main Event:
1. Eli Tomac (new bike) 2. Ken Roczen 3. Jorge Prado (first U.S. win) 4. Hunter Lawrence 5. Jason Anderson
Anaheim 1 demonstrated the significance of line choice, track adaptation, and lap-by-lap execution. Ryder DiFrancesco’s podium was a milestone not just in his career, but for Bakersfield, solidifying the city’s presence on the Supercross stage. Tomac’s win on a new bike highlighted his ability to adapt quickly under pressure and maintain performance at the front of the field.
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