Image: Octopi Media.

Ironman’s Pro Motocross finale marked a ‘disappointing’ end to Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen’s 250MX title challenge, with a crash-marred opening moto bringing his day to an early end altogether.

Entering the weekend 14 points behind Cole Davies (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing), Kitchen had work to do to close the gap and secure a maiden professional class title after losing considerable ground at Budds Creek.

After qualifying sixth, an incident on the opening lap of the first race dropped him back to 35th, with the 25-year-old charging as high as 17th before another crash on lap five caused him to exit the race.

While the team indicated post-race that it was a mechanical that sidelined Kitchen, he later opted to sit out moto two and to focus on recovering for the SMX post-season – without confirming any apparent injuries:

‘Kitchen didn’t get the jump he was looking for off the start and was forced to battle his way forward before a pair of crashes brought his charge to a halt. Banged up from the incidents and dealing with a mechanical issue, Kitchen was ultimately forced to pull off the track before the finish. With the SuperMotocross postseason ahead, Kitchen and the team decided not to line up for moto two, allowing him to focus on recovery and avoid risking further injury.’

A single overall victory at Hangtown was the highlight of Kitchen’s season, alongside four additional podium finishes to keep him in title contention for much of the 11-round outdoor series. He ultimately finished P3 overall following Julien Beaumer’s (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) Ironman victory.

“I’m bummed with how I ended the season at Ironman,” commented Kitchen. “I felt pretty good on the bike throughout qualifying and was hoping to put together a strong final round, but unfortunately the first moto didn’t go our way. It’s disappointing to end the season like this, but now the focus is on recovering and doing everything I can to be ready for SMX.”