USA: KTM takes over the Husqvarna 250 team and will field six riders

Husqvarna will no longer run its own US factory team next year. The entire existing 250cc line-up is moving en masse to Red Bull KTM Factory Racing: alongside riders Ryder DiFrancesco and Daxton Bennick, team manager Nathan Ramsey is also joining the KTM team.

Ryder DiFrancesco

The 21-year-old DiFrancesco finished second in the 250SMX World Championship in 2026. He finished fifth overall in the US Motocross Championship and fourth in the 250SX West Coast series.

Daxton Bennick

20-year-old Daxton Bennick is also moving from Husqvarna to KTM. He finished third in this year’s 250SX East Coast Championship and stood on the podium at the SMX Playoffs in Columbus.

Nathan Ramsey to lead the 250cc team

Nathan Ramsey has been team manager of Husqvarna’s US factory team since 2022. At KTM, he will take charge of the 250cc team going forward.

“I will be leading the 250cc racing team alongside Ian Harrison and his crew on the 450cc side,” explained Ramsey. “I believe this expansion and structure will significantly strengthen the entire Red Bull KTM programme. I’m looking forward to the new season.”

The newly formed team will make its debut on 9 January 2027 at the Supercross opener in Anaheim. Jorge Prado and Lucas Coenen will compete in the 450 class. The 250 line-up consists of Julien Beaumer, Sacha Coenen, Ryder DiFrancesco and Daxton Bennick.