Levi Kitchen heads into the final two rounds of the 2026 Pro Motocross Championship with the 250MX title firmly within reach, but the Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider has almost no room for error. Following the latest round, Kitchen leads the championship by just one point over Cole Davies, setting up what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.
Kitchen endured a difficult second moto at Unadilla after contact at the first turn sent him across the track, forcing him to fight his way forward. Despite the setback, he remained composed and worked his way through the field.
“I mean, right hand starts are tough, you know, we’re all trying to go as fast as we can and get the holeshot. I had a great start, I did everything right, but unfortunately blocked bars and went to the other side of the track. From there, I just did my best, put my head down. A lot of guys line up inside, and it just cramps together but I don’t really know the fix for that. I mean, we all just want to get the start like everybody else; everybody bumps together and then that’s the outcome. It’s tough to choose the gate but now I wish I would have went to the inside, but I’ve tried that too and you can get pinched off so it is what it is”.
“A little bit, but to be honest, my body being sore from crashes has been the problem so that break was huge. You know, I didn’t ride for two weeks just because I was hurting still from Millville so it feels awesome to feel good again and no pain right now. I mean, when I do have these moto’s where I’ve got to dig deep, the recovery side, I’m pretty smart with all that. Now, being in Florida is a little bit tough so you have got to be careful and now it’s pretty hot. You have to focus on recovering but then I think a day like today, though, regardless of coming from the back, it wasn’t very hot so I don’t feel very much today”.
Kitchen hoping for MXoN opportunity
With the Motocross des Nations at Ernée, France, fast approaching, Kitchen also confirmed that discussions have taken place regarding a potential place on Team USA. The 250MX title contender admitted that representing his country at the MXoN would be a dream come true.
“Yes, there have been talks about the MXoN. I really want to go so we’ll see what happens. But it’s been a dream of mine to do that. I’m just grateful that they’re considering me”.
Back on track, Kitchen was pleased with the way he responded during the latest round dominating the first moto – he feels he hasn’t had a strong moto like that since Colorado.
“Yeah, it was definitely needed for me. It’s been since Colorado where I’ve really had a moto like that. But no, it was great. I knew that’s what I could do today to be honest, I felt really good and I was proud of my maturity in the first moto, just taking my time. That’s what I wanted to do in the second moto but it’s alright”.
Davies battle adds another layer
The championship fight with Davies has already produced plenty of excitement, and Kitchen admitted he was frustrated by Brodie Connolly passing him around the final corner – he initially believed to be a lapped competitor.
“I’m a little bummed. There was like three or four blue flags waving at him so I was actually confused and it wasn’t until the last turn that I realised that there’s no way it was a lapper because he raced me that hard. Either way, when I’m out there, I really don’t even pay attention to who I’m around. I’m just trying to go as far forward as I can. But no, it makes sense that he’s a good rider, you know, I’m kind of pissed at myself. I didn’t mean to do that but a good job to him for making it work”.
With just two rounds remaining, Kitchen is looking forward to the final stretch of the championship and wants to come out on top in the championship battle.
“Honestly, I like every round on the circuit, maybe besides Washougal (laughs). No, I’m just kidding. I love them. These last races are great. I’ve also been trying to work on not even thinking about whether I like the track or not, because one year you can win it, the next year you can get 10th. I think it just depends on how you feel on the day but I’m excited. I mean, we’re bringing a great show to the fans. I respect Cole and I know he’s going to do his best and I’m going to do my best – it’s been fun and I’m grateful to be in the position I’m in anyway”.
No changes to the approach
Kitchen knows that the pressure will only increase as the championship reaches its conclusion, but the Kawasaki rider insists he will not change his approach. Having been close to championship success before, he believes those experiences have taught him how to deal with the pressure.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s just teaching me a lot all round. I know that these things don’t come easy. I’ve been close before and I learned a lot from the years past. It definitely comes with pressure but we put so much pressure on ourself regardless. I think moving to the last two rounds just kind of keeps the same mindset and we just show up. As long as I do my best, and that’s what I’ve been trying to do is just fight as hard as I can and, and just never leave anything on the track. As long as I do that, then regardless the outcome, I’m going to be happy and I gave it my all”.
One area where Kitchen believes he has made significant progress is his starts. After struggling earlier in the season, improvements from both himself and the Pro Circuit Kawasaki team have given him greater confidence heading into the final two rounds.
“No, I don’t change thing. My starts were actually awesome today. I think the first moto I was maybe sixth. And the second one, I felt like I actually had a chance of maybe getting a holeshot there or at least maybe the top three. I’ve made huge improvements on my starts. The team’s made an improvement on the motor recently. I’m not going to change anything. Just hopefully, we don’t all come together in the first turn”.
With only one point separating Kitchen and Davies, the 250MX championship is perfectly poised heading into the final two rounds. Kitchen has the advantage of experience and the red plate, but Davies has proven throughout the season that he has the speed and consistency to challenge for the crown.
For Kitchen, the objective is simple: maintain his current mindset, continue fighting until the chequered flag and leave nothing on the track. If he can do that, the Kawasaki rider knows he can walk away from the final two rounds satisfied, regardless of where the championship ultimately lands.
