The AMA Supercross and Motocross season has officially concluded with the completion of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX). As the off-season begins, riders and teams will take a brief hiatus to recuperate and strategize before diving into intensive supercross training camps in the upcoming month. With October on the horizon, the motocross community is poised to witness riders transitioning between teams and announcing new affiliations.

In a significant development, Levi Kitchen expressed his gratitude to the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team for their unwavering support over the past three years. This acknowledgment also confirmed his exit from the factory Yamaha team. Kitchen, hailing from Washougal, Washington, became an official member of the team in December 2020. He had previously showcased his prowess in racing with backing from the Rock River team. Kitchen’s professional debut was marked at the 2021 RedBud National, where he secured the 12th position overall. His accolades include winning both the Open Pro Sport and 250 Pro Sport titles at the Monster Energy AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. This achievement also earned him the 2021 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award.

Kitchen’s rookie year in 2022 was marred by injuries, limiting his appearances. However, he was honored with the 2022 Marty Smith Rookie of the Year award in Pro Motocross. The 2023 season witnessed a resurgence in Kitchen’s performance, with him finishing third in the 2023 250SX West Region championship, fifth in the AMA Pro Motocross Championship’s 250 Class, and fourth in the 250SMX World Championship standings. His prowess was further highlighted when he clinched the moto win in the final 250SMX moto of the year at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Kitchen wrote, “I want to give a huge thank you to the whole @starracingyamaha team for everything they’ve done the past 3 years. We’ve accomplished a lot and had a lot of fun while doing it. I personally want to thank Bobby and his wife Loretta for believing in me and helping me start my career as a pro. I also would like to thank @swanie387 for putting up with me and pushing me all these years. Lastly, a big thanks to all of the mechanics and people that have helped in any way throughout my time with the team. ”

During his tenure with Yamaha, Kitchen achieved four AMA Motocross overall podiums and four AMA Supercross 250SX main event podiums. His most notable victory was at the 2023 Anaheim 2 Supercross, marking his first professional win.

While no official announcements have been made, the motocross grapevine suggests that Kitchen might join the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit Kawasaki team in 2024. Kitchen has also accumulated enough points during the 2023 AMA Supercross and Motocross seasons to secure a national number. It’s anticipated that he will choose #47, his amateur number. An official announcement regarding Kitchen’s future endeavors and national numbers is eagerly awaited in the coming weeks.

O conteúdo Levi Kitchen confirming his departure from the factory Yamaha team aparece primeiro em Motorcycle Sports.