Image: Supplied.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing has announced Ryder DiFrancesco and Daxton Bennick for the 2027 SMX World Championship season, completing an expanded four-rider 250 program alongside Julien Beaumer and Sacha Coenen.

DiFrancesco, 21, joins KTM after finishing runner-up in 250SMX this season, fifth in 250MX and fourth in the 250SX Western Division, highlighted by his first-career Monster Energy Supercross podium at Anaheim 1.

“I’m super-excited to be joining Red Bull KTM Factory Racing,” DiFrancesco commented. “It’s been one of the top-tier teams in the paddock since I can remember. The next thing to do now is to go out there and win. I’m excited, and the season can’t come soon enough.”

Bennick arrives after claiming third in the 250SX Eastern Division and earning his first 250SMX podium at Playoff 1 in Columbus. The 20-year-old also has previous KTM ties through the Orange Brigade amateur program.

“It’s always been a dream of mine, so it’s a super-cool and surreal moment for me,” Bennick said. “I think we’re going to make a really good combination and go after the championships.”

The pair – who move across from Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing together with team manager Nathan Ramsey – will join Beaumer, who recently extended his Red Bull KTM contract, and incoming Belgian Coenen, who finished third in the 2026 MX2 World Championship.

“What an incredible opportunity to be a part of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing for 2027 and beyond,” Ramsey explained. “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.”

The new-look line-up will debut at Anaheim 1 on January 9 aboard KTM 250 SX-F FACTORY EDITION machinery, operating alongside the Ian Harrison-managed Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 effort of Jorge Prado and Lucas Coenen.