Both Ryder DiFrancesco and Daxton Bennick have joined the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing effort for the 2027 SuperMotocross World Championship season. These two 250 riders were teammates on the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Team but with that team halting their factory program, both DiFrancesco and Bennick have made the switch over to their sister team in Red Bull KTM. They’ll join Julien Beaumer and Sacha Coenen for a four-man 250 effort in the 2027.
“I’m super-excited to be joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing,” DiFrancesco said. “It’s been one of the top-tier teams in the paddock since I can remember, so it’s going to be a cool feeling being on the orange bike in 2027 – it only grows the confidence in myself and the team. The next thing to do now is to go out there and win. I’m excited, and the season can’t come soon enough.”
21-year old DiFrancesco had a breakout 2026 season where he finished second in the 250SMX World Championship, fifth in 250MX, and fourth in the 250SX Western Division standings. The California-native earned his first-career 250SX podium at Anaheim 1 and carried that momentum into the outdoors and playoffs with a collection of podium results.
“I’m so excited to be on the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team next year,” Bennick added. “It’s always been a dream of mine, so it’s a super-cool and surreal moment for me. There are a lot of familiar faces on the team and also some new ones, and I think we’re going to make a really good combination and go after the championships – I’m ready to get to work.”
Bennick spent most of his amateur career on the KTM Orange Brigade team and rejoins the squad after a strong 2026 campaign that saw him claim third in the 250SX East standings and secure his first 250SMX podium at SMX Playoff 1 in Columbus.
“What an incredible opportunity to be a part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2027 and beyond,” said Nathan Ramsey, the new Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 250 Team Manager. “I will be managing the 250 race team, alongside of Ian and his crew on the 450 side. I believe this expansion and structure for the complete Red Bull KTM program is very strong and I look forward to having an unbelievable season. I couldn’t be happier to add Dax and Ryder to the team! They both had very strong seasons in 2026 and should absolutely be in the championship conversation in 2027. Dax and Ryder alongside Juju and Sacha make up a very young and extremely strong Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 250 effort for 2027! I am honored to be a part of this group moving forward and can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
“We are incredibly excited to introduce our strengthened Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 250 program, which will debut in 2027 with a four-rider lineup equipped with KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION machinery,” said Ian Harrison, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s 450 Team Manager. “KTM has enjoyed significant success in the category for many years, and this next step further underlines the brand’s READY TO RACE commitment into the future.”
