Image: Octopi Media.

An eventful weekend saw Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s Levi Kitchen manage to salvage a P6 result in 250SX West at A1, which is something he can build from as he chases a maiden championship in 2026.

Widely tipped as a title-threat in the division, Kitchen topped the 250SX qualifying timesheets at the conclusion of the afternoon sessions with a 1m06.218s lap-time, before taking second place in his heat race.

An awkward off-cambered first turn ultimately caught out the number 47, as he tucked the front and was forced to play catch-up for the remainder of the main event. He would eventually cross the line in a hard-fought sixth position, banking important points despite his troubles.

“It felt good to start the season with the fastest qualifying time,” Kitchen reflected. “The speed is there, and the bike felt great all day. The main event didn’t go our way off the start, and the first-corner pile-up set me back.

“But coming through the field to salvage a sixth is something we can build on – it’s a long season, and this is just the beginning.”

Kitchen – already nine points outside of early red plate-holder Max Anstie (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) displayed competitive pace within Angel Stadium and will aim to carry it further up the main event leaderboard at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium this Saturday night.