Two rounds into Pro Motocross 2026 has signalled a resurgence for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, with Levi Kitchen and Seth Hammaker splitting wins at Fox Raceway and Hangtown. It has been a while since the iconic team has looked this strong in 250MX and early signs suggest that this summer could finally mark a return to title-winning form.

It was always clear that this year would usher in a new era for the 250MX class, with both Lawrence brothers and Haiden Deegan moving on and leaving the door wide-open for a new contender to emerge at the front of the division.

Looking back, the class has been defined by the Lawrences and Deegan for the better part of five seasons. Jett captured titles in 2021 and 2022, before Hunter followed in 2023. Deegan then completed back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025, leaving little opportunity for the Mitch Payton-led Pro Circuit team to break through during one of the strongest runs of talent the category has seen.

In fact, it has been since Adam Cianciarulo’s 250MX title in 2019 that Pro Circuit has achieved a number one plate, although with the aforementioned trio having graduated to 450MX, it seems finally time for Kitchen and Hammaker to step up.

Image: Octopi Media.

They’ve also been suppressed by the Lawrence/Deegan juggernaut, offering a challenge at times, but unable to sustain a season-long push. And you can see now they’re prepared to take the reins, with those two – as well as Mitch – believing it’s time that they get their share.

They are far from alone in that pursuit, however, with former national winners Jo Shimoda and Chance Hymas, along with Cole Davies, all viewing themselves as legitimate title contenders in the battle for 250MX supremacy. So far, it has been Hammaker and Kitchen who have struck first, with Hammaker claiming a convincing victory at the season-opener before Kitchen responded with a win of his own at Hangtown.

As a result, the pair sits first and second in the championship standings, with Seth holding a seven-point advantage. Credit should also go to fill-in rider Nick Romano, who occupies sixth in the standings after two rounds.

The atmosphere inside the Pro Circuit camp appears equally strong. Speaking after the race, Kitchen acknowledged the team’s high motivation levels, suggesting that both the riders and crew are carrying an added determination to return the iconic program to the top of the 250MX division.

Image: Octopi Media.

“It’s been awesome,” commented Kitchen. “When the boss is happy, things are great, and it’s just progress from everybody, I think. Everybody’s just motivated, and I think by Seth doing good, me doing good, Nick is crushing it – we all get along, and we all push each other.

“I think it’s important to have that dynamic, and honestly, all of us here kind of have a chip on our shoulder, I feel like, and especially I feel like the Pro Circuit team too, so it just motivates you, and I’m really happy for everybody. We’re all working our ass off and trying to get better, and I think we’re getting a lot better.”

It’s been a difficult road at times – particularly for Levi. Early in his professional career, he was often viewed as a rider capable of matching Deegan, but a combination of injuries and inconsistency prevented him from fully realizing that potential on a sustained basis. With that in mind, there is every reason to believe Kitchen is carrying extra motivation into this year’s title fight.

That said, the Pro Circuit riders are far from clear of the competition. Davies delivered a statement ride in Hangtown’s second moto, storming to victory while setting a lap-time nearly two seconds quicker than anyone else in the field. By the checkered flag, the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider had established a 9.3-second advantage, serving notice that he remains a major threat in the championship battle.

Image: Octopi Media.

The same applies to Shimoda and Hymas, which makes the upcoming Colorado and High Point rounds particularly important for Kitchen and Hammaker. Those events could provide an opportunity to further establish themselves at the front of the championship and potentially build a valuable points buffer before the one-week break between rounds four and five.

Regardless, one thing is already clear – we’re seeing far more of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki at the front of the 250MX field in 2026. Whether that’s a product of the changing competitive landscape, renewed motivation within the team, or a combination of both, the iconic outfit is once again a major force.

The question now is whether they can sustain it. That remains to be seen, but through two rounds, both Hammaker and Kitchen have been a constant presence at the front and could be on the verge of the resurgence many have been waiting years to see.