Image: Octopi Media.

A frightening clash during 250SMX moto one at the SMX Final on Saturday ‘could’ve been much worse’ according to Ryder DiFrancesco, who said that a concussion was the extent of his injuries upon initial evaluations.

The Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing rider continued his impressive qualifying form by posting the fourth-fastest time around the hybrid circuit at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Holding firm in P3 for the opening half of the opening race, a heavy collision entering the sand section with Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) left the pair grounded, as 20-year-old DiFrancesco was forced to withdraw from the race and the event’s remainder.

“God is good,” DiFrancesco posted on social media late last night. “[I’m] super-lucky to just have a concussion! Thank you Joe Cancellieri for keeping me strong all year – this could’ve been much worse.”

The incident concluded what has been an up-and-down season for the Californian, who displayed pace at times, although mishaps would ultimately impact his overall results. He finished 16th in the final SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) standings.