250 Words: Scouting Moto Combine East Recap

Over the course of the motos, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team Green’s Ryder Difrancesco (2-1) emerged as the top rider at the combine, albeit via tiebreaker over his teammate Chance Hymas (1-2). The Kawasaki duo traded moto wins and earned the same moto scores, but DiFrancesco earned the edge in the end thanks to a victorious ride in the second moto. Additionally, both riders showed tremendous poise in their ability to each overcome misfortune, as DiFrancesco went down (while under pressure from Hymas) in Moto 1 and Hymas overcame a crash off the start in Moto 2. The overall podium was completed by Red Bull KTM’s Daxton Bennick (4-3).

The impressive effort by DiFrancesco, Hymas, and Bennick was no doubt aided by their coach, 2009 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 450 Class Champion Chad Reed, who added all three riders to his team by a stroke of luck during a blind draw to group riders with coaches. As the most decorated international rider in the history of motocross and supercross here in the United States, the Australian icon is well versed in the challenges that young prospects can face as they transition to the pro ranks, both on the track and off of it.

Now, as a father of children beginning to embark on their own motocross journey, Reed is particularly invested in providing the framework that can allow the sport’s youth to thrive as they progress in their racing career. As one of the sport’s most outspoken and well-respected figures, Reed believed it was important that he step up to be an advocate for the sport’s progression into the future.

“Hopefully (the Moto Combine) is a step towards making a difference,” said Reed. “I love motorcycle racing. It’s been a massive part of my life. My kids love it (too), and if they’re going to love it and this is something I’m going to have to do, then I’d like to see a positive thing for my kids to be involved in. If I can help steer the ship a little bit and give an opinion, then my hand is up. I’ve enjoyed it so far.”

Off the track, this group of elite amateur prospects received guidance on fitness and nutrition from prominent industry trainers Ryan Federow, Gareth Swanepoel, and John Wessling. Additionally, NBC Sports and MAVTV Motorsports Network play-by-play man Jason Weidgandt was joined by Pro Motocross public address announcer Rob Buydos, Pro Motocross social media manager Sam Nicolini, and Pro Motocross media relations manager Brandon Short for some valuable insight into the media aspect of the professional level of the sport. 

The entire East Region gathering was overseen by veteran race team manager Christina Denney, who helped guide Rock River Racing into one of Yamaha’s top satellite programs. Additional support from from combine partners U.S. Air Force Special Warfare came from Sergeant Matt Marshall, who helped provide encouragement to the athletes on the life challenges that they’ll face on their journey to professional competition.

The Scouting Moto Combine will host its West Region gathering in just a matter of days, on Friday, September 3, as part of the Maxxis Fox Raceway II National, presented by Fox Racing. Southern California’s Fox Raceway will be the site of a second invited group of top amateur athletes who will receive similar mentorship and coaching from legendary former racers, in addition to education on the various aspects of the sport’s professional level that make it so unique.

Results

MX Sports Pro Racing Scouting Moto Combine East Region
Ironman Raceway - Crawfordsville, Indiana
August 27, 2021

Overall Results (Moto Finish)

1. Ryder Difrancesco, Bakersfield, Calif., Kawasaki (2-1)
2. Chance Hymas, Pocatello, Idaho, Kawasaki (1-2)
3. Daxton Bennick, Morganton, N.C., KTM (4-3)
4. Jayden Clough, Elko New Market, Minn., KTM (3-5)
5. Gavin Towers, Venetia, Pa., Kawasaki (5-4)
6. Mark Fineis, Westfield, Ind., KTM (7-6)
7. Patrick Murphy, Clinton, Iowa, Kawasaki (6-7)
8. Larry Reyes, Houston, Texas, Yamaha (8-8)
9. Logan Best, North Port, Fla., Yamaha (10-10)
10. Cameron Campbell, Coal Valley, Ill., KTM (14-9)
11. Kimble Jett, Norwood, La., KTM (11-12)
12. Gavin Brough, Kaysville, Utah, Yamaha (13-13)
13. Judson Wisdom, Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Yamaha (9-17)
14. Trevor Colip,Bowling Green Ind., Husqvarna (17-11)
15. Ethan Day, Twin Lake, Mich., Kawasaki (12-16)
16. Noah Schuring, Portage, Mich., Yamaha (16-14)
17. Lucas Geistler, Newark, Ill., KTM (15-15)
18. Chase Prince, Petersburg, Tenn., Honda (18-18)