Glendale, AZ – Nate Thrasher and Ryder DiFrancesco found themselves nursing injuries following the sixth round of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Arizona over the weekend. Notably, the upcoming 250SX West Region race is scheduled for the Seattle Supercross on March 23.
Nate Thrasher endured a significant fall early in the second 250SX heat race while leading the pack. The rider from Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing misjudged a section of the track, resulting in him being thrown from his YZ250F with his legs still entangled in the handlebars.
He landed hard on his back between sections, prompting a red flag to allow medical attention from the Alpinestars crew. Despite initial struggles to rise, Thrasher eventually managed to get onto the medical cart, signaling to spectators with a thumbs up as he was driven off the field.
Initial reports indicated Thrasher was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. The team’s post-race press release revealed he had sustained a concussion from the crash and would undergo the required protocol.
Jensen Hendler, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 250 Team Manager, reflected on the incident, stating, “Phoenix actually went pretty well. Nate had a rough one in the heat race. He kind of got weird in a rhythm. We’re not exactly sure what happened. So that was a bummer, but we’re happy that he wasn’t hurt worse.”
On social media, Thrasher reassured fans of his condition, stating, “Glendale was going good until it wasn’t last night. As you probably saw in my heat, I had a pretty gnarly crash and was transported to a local hospital. Thankfully, I will be ok and leaving with just a bone bruise and concussion. Going to get some rest then back to work! Thanks to my team and everyone who supports me! See you in Seattle ❤️”
Meanwhile, Ryder DiFrancesco also experienced an early end to his race due to an unseen crash. Though not captured on TV, the California native’s fall in the long rhythm section prompted a red cross flag, causing subsequent riders to adjust resulting in further accidents.
DiFrancesco’s GasGas team confirmed his premature departure from the event but assured fans of his readiness for the next race in Arlington following a six-week break in the 250SX West schedule.
Reflecting on DiFrancesco’s performance, Max Lee, Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GasGas Factory Racing Team Manager, remarked, “It was a tough night for the Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS team. Ryder started out strong during the first part of the day, he had a couple of bad starts, but ultimately a crash in the Main ended his night early. He was evaluated and released, so will be ready to line up at the next 250 West round.”
DiFrancesco also shared his sentiments on social media, saying, “Bummed on how my night ended in Glendale. I was making my way through the pack and came up short in a rhythm. Glad we get a couple of weeks off to recover🤙 Thank you team @tld_raceteam”
