race recap
LEVI KITCHEN | GRIT-219 | 250SX
May 9, 2023 · Levi Kitchen
LEVI KITCHEN | GRIT-219 | SX 250
Yamaha's Levi Kitchen had continued his rise through the professional ranks in recent memory, and would approach the racetrack in Denver, Colorado with a winning mindset; long before firing his engine and beginning various practice rounds. Though once the initial circuits of all circuits had begun, it was easy to see that Kitchen possessed the technicality to excel at the highest level for round sixteen of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. His intensity carried into the first heat of the night, where his Yamaha would burst from the line with authority and commanded the attention of all who opposed as he rounded the first corner. Leaping through the opening rhythm lanes with bold combinations aboard his 250F machine, he immediately began to distance himself from RJ Hampshire who trailed; piecing together the racetrack with fluidity while amassing laps led at the pinnacle of the field. This would lead him to the halfway point, where he concluded the fifth circuit with an outpouring of throttle while looking ahead to the checkered flag. The Floridian (i.e. Hampshire) wasn't able to create a strong enough charge to rattle (nor overtake) the Washington native out front, as Levi would eventually go on to lead all ten laps prior to taking the heat race victory! This would amplify his confidence once more, as he began the main event; where he was second behind Maximus Vohland, until just under two minutes had transpired from the main event race clock. It was at that point, where he saw a window of opportunity in the right-handed corner following the longest rhythm section on the track, and would sneak to the inside ahead of Max Vohland with a sly move that faded to the outskirt(s) of the track! Blocking Vohland's line(s) from moving forward, it was Levi who would then maintain the lead throughout the entirety of the moto! It seemed to be Kitchen's race to lose, but many could sense that as he neared the finish line, Levi's mentality would shift to a line of defense...which allowed Hampshire to infiltrate the idea of victorious contention. Nevertheless, it was with just under one minute remaining on the race clock when Hampshire moved to the inside in the corner after the whoops, pushing the number forty-three to second once and for all. Despite attempting various counter maneuvers in the corners that followed, it would be Kitchen was forced to reside second...yet his runner-up finish would have to be applauded by all in the industry.