Image: Octopi Media.

Red cross flag violations at SMX Playoff 1 in Charlotte saw Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki duo Seth Hammaker and Levi Kitchen each receive penalties following the opening moto.

It was an early race incident from teammate Garrett Marchbanks that triggered the caution, with Hammaker having violated the no-jump rule and subsequently receiving a five-point championship penalty afterwards.

Kitchen, meanwhile, also made a pass throughout the red cross-flagged section, which – in addition to the five-point penalty – earned him a one-position adjustment too, dropping him from third into P4.

“We have reviewed that footage, and Seth Hammaker is receiving a five championship point penalty for jumping under a red cross violation, and Levi Kitchen had passed another rider under the red cross, so he is receiving a one position penalty plus five championship points as well,” explained Mike Pelletier, AMA director of racing.

Factored into the 250SMX overall standings, Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) holds 50 points after Charlotte’s victory was combined with his seeding position, while Hammaker sits in third with 34 points, and Kitchen is fifth on 29.