LEVI KITCHEN - GRIT 238 250SX

LEVI KITCHEN | GRIT-238 | 250 SX

Kitchen's consistency aboard the newfound Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki machine was undeniable - as the Washington native strove for a potential title earning run, via solid performances amongst the first three rounds of the tour. That notion was then carried as well, as practice began in Anaheim; where Levi rounded the corner after the finish-line with authority when seeking his fastest laps, scrubbing every obstacle in sight before launching past the final timing and scoring sensors. He was solidified into main event number one with a solid gate choice, and clicked into gear while launching from the metal grate with a definitive early lead next to be clinched. Though a multitude of factory riders were nipping at his heels, Kitchen combatted the infiltration of many with brilliant offensive riding of his own. Sweeping through the prepped track atop countless berms, he quickly advanced through the roughly eleven minute sequence while remaining unbothered by the pressure...though RJ Hampshire would attempt to make a daring pass of sorts in the final few corners, Kitchen would lead from beginning to end and take a moto win! Quickly entering into the third place position for the second moto, as Phil Nicoletti and RJ Hampshire battled out front, Levi was one to reel them in and narrow the gap as the opening minutes would pass. He moved forward, past Nicoletti near the opening whoop section with around seven minutes left on the clock. Now into second, after a few laps had passed, it appeared as if the running order was seemingly finalized - but Kitchen's path through the last two laps was incredible, where he closed the gap and attempted to even make a pass for the lead, just before the "SX" triple. Diving to the inside and leaving Hampshire nowhere to go, the Floridian somehow manage to power around...and block pass the Kawasaki rider in the final corner - winning by only feet, as Levi claimed an admirable second. His start to the third moto was brilliant, where he emerged as the initial leader but a slight bit of wheel-spin would deter his jump onto the initial plateau and allow Thrasher to work his way forward. Now second, he would defend the runner-up position from Jo Shimoda for quite sometime...but knowing that the overall win didn't necessarily depend on it, Kitchen would relinquish the position to the Honda rider at the beginning of the last lap. Now into third, Levi simply cruised to the final double where he fist-pumped with excitement, earning the overall win in Anaheim!

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