Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen Takes First Career Pro Motocross Win at Spring Creek MX
Motocross // Spring Creek MX // Highlights:
- Qualifying: Kitchen was 2nd, Masterpool 12th
- Kitchen went 1-1 for his first career Pro Motocross overall
- Masterpool came from last to 10th in Moto 2 for eighth overall (8-10)
MILLVILLE, Minn. (July 15, 2024) — Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen had a bounce-back ride at Spring Creek MX Park to take the 1-1 overall victory at Round 7 of the Pro Motocross Championship. As expected, the conditions were challenging, with lightning delaying the start of Moto 2. Still, Kitchen capitalized on two great starts and came away with the win, which propelled him to second overall in the championship standings. Teammate Ty Masterpool had a nice day overall, including a last to 10th place ride in Moto 2 to claim another top-10 result of eighth overall (8-10).
Kitchen was eager to keep up the momentum he started last weekend after collecting his first moto podium since the third round. He had a positive start following qualifying, earning the second-fastest time. When the gate dropped for the first moto, Kitchen rounded the inside of the first treacherous turn near the front of the pack and settled into second. The track was rough, but he worked to find a good pace, eventually inheriting the lead on Lap 3. He had company in the final 10 minutes of the race, but Kitchen held off the charges and brought home his first moto win of the season.
It started raining at the end of the 450 moto, and when lightning showed up in the area, the officials were forced to delay the start of the second moto. After the all clear, Kitchen opted to not take the sighting lap to keep his bike clean and it paid off as he skirted the inside of the first turn and filed into second on the start. He had a tip over in the middle of the race, but that didn’t stop his charge to catch the leader, passing for first just over halfway and bringing home the 1-1 and his first overall Pro Motocross victory.
“We’ve been working really hard to get back to this point,” said Kitchen. “It hasn’t been easy because when you’re not up here, people quickly forget you. But I knew we had it in us to get back to the front, and it feels amazing to get this first overall win as we head into my hometown race next weekend.”
Masterpool was riding an inspired ride last weekend, and while he clocked only a 12th place quickest time, he wasn’t worried about his pace for the race. Once again, Masterpool took advantage of a great start and came around the first turn in the top five. He fell back to seventh on Lap 2 and tried to find good lines, crossing the finish line in eighth. When the gate dropped for the second moto after a lengthy weather delay, Masterpool once again was quick out of the gate but was taken out on the first turn and got up last in 40th. By the fourth lap, he was inside the top 20 and kept moving forward, ultimately crossing the finish line with an impressive 10th, which gave him eighth overall.
“It was a tough race overall but there was plenty to be thankful for, including getting up after being taken out on the start,” said Masterpool. “The two motos were completely different for me as I was doing everything I could to make up position in the second moto. It will be good to head to Washington and go after another podium finish before the break.”
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250MX Class Overall Results – Spring Creek MX Park
- Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki), 1-1
- Haiden Deegan (Yamaha), 3-4
- Casey Cochran (Husqvarna), 9-2
- Max Anstie (Yamaha), 7-3
- Dilan Schwartz (Suzuki), 10-6
- Ryder DiFrancesco (GasGas), 12-5
- Tom Vialle (KTM), 2-17
- Ty Masterpool (Kawasaki), 8-10
- Jordon Smith (Yamaha), 6-13
- Julien Beaumer (KTM), 15-8
250MX Class Points Standings
- Haiden Deegan (Yamaha), 314
- Levi Kitchen (Kawasaki), 263
- Tom Vialle (KTM), 260
- Chance Hymas (Honda), 251
- Jo Shimoda (Honda), 231
- Ty Masterpool (Kawasaki), 214
- Pierce Brown (GasGas), 162
- Jalek Swoll (Triumph), 159
- Jordon Smith (Yamaha), 149
- Ryder DiFrancesco (GasGas), 147
Team Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki uses WRP Titanium Fasteners
