Supermini 1 (12-15) & Supermini 2 (13-16)
Like Haiden Deegan (Sr. Mini 1 & 2) and Max Vohland (125cc & Schoolboy 1), Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Ryder Difrancesco was one of a few riders chasing a perfect 6-0 run at Loretta Lynn’s. He entered Saturday in control of both the Supermini 1 and Supermini 2 classes, where another pair of good starts and consistent performances were all that separated him from perfection. Difrancesco rose to the occasion on each gate drop and brought home two impressive victories to wrap up a pair of titles on the final day.
The Kawasaki rider first took to the track to complete Supermini 2. Out of the gate, KTM rider Ben Garib continued his hot streak of stellar starts to lead Difrancesco through the opening couple laps. Not to be denied, Difrancesco powered his way into the lead and quickly began to put distance between himself and Garib. Soon enough, he enjoyed a comfortable multi-second lead. Difrancesco continued to charge and brought home the first of two wins by four seconds over Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Evan Ferry, who started sixth, with Garib in third.
As Difrancesco rolled out one last time for Supermini 1 he was determined to make the final moto as stress free as possible. When the gate dropped he seized the moment and emerged with the lead. A blistering opening lap helped Difrancesco put multiple seconds on Ferry in second, and from there the Kawasaki rider never looked back. He stormed to the sweep and a perfect week-long record by just under six seconds. Ferry finished the day with back-to-back runner-up finishes, while Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Gavin Towers finished third.
It capped off a banner week for Difrancesco, who will surely be one of the most talked about riders at Loretta Lynn’s in 2021.
Supermini 1 (12-15) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)
- Ryder Difrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
- Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Kawasaki (2-2-3)
- Evan Ferry, Dade City, Fla., Husqvarna (4-5-2)
- Jayden Clough, Elko, Minn., KTM (5-3-4)
- Jordan Renfro, Lake Park, Ga., KTM (9-9-7)
Supermini 2 (13-16) Overall Results (Moto Finishes)
- Ryder Difrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
- Evan Ferry, Dade City, Fla., Husqvarna (2-2-2)
- Benjamin Garib, Chile, KTM (4-3-3)
- Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Kawasaki (3-5-4)
- Jayden Clough, Elko, Minn., KTM (5-4-5)
Additional AMA Amateur National Champions from Saturday (Moto Finishes)
250 C Limited: Jacob Henry, Cortland, N.Y., KTM (3-1-3)
Junior (25+): Brandon Scharer, Hamer, S.C., Yamaha (2-1-1)
College (18-24): Michael Hicks, Fenton, Mo., KTM (9-1-1)
Girls (11-16): Katie Benson, Greer, S.C., KTM (1-1-3)
250 C Jr. (12-17) Limited: Dakota Bender, Winchester, Pa., Honda (1-1-2)
450 B Limited: Levi Kitchen, Washougal, Wash., Yamaha (1-1-1)
85cc (10-12): Luke Fauser, Midland, Pa., KTM (2-3-2)
65cc (7-9): Gage Dunham, Golden, Colo., KTM (5-1-2)
450 C: Cameron Horner, Bozeman, Mont., Kawasaki (1-1-1)
Senior (45+): Joe Buskirk, Hanna City, Ill., Suzuki (3-3-3)
65cc (10-11): Seth Dennis, Minneola, Fla., KTM (1-3-2) |