Rest was exactly what Levi Kitchen needed.
Back on the track for the first time since a disappointing finish at the Washougal National three weeks ago, the Washougal rider captured his second victory in the 250 class of the Pro Motocross Championship, winning Saturday at the Unadilla National at New Berlin, New York.
“This feels amazing,” Kitchen said. “I needed that break. I feel refreshed.”
Kitchen took the early lead in the first moto Saturday. But series leader Haiden Deegan was able to make a pass in the second half of the moto and hold off Kitchen to finish first.
Kitchen went out fast again in the second moto, opening a multi-second lead over Jo Shimoda and Deegan.
Near the halfway point, Shimoda began to close in on Kitchen’s lead, while Deegan lost contact with the leaders.
Shimoda kept looking for an opportunity to pass Kitchen, but the Washougal rider was able to counter any potential moves.
As the leaders started to navigate through lapped traffic, Kitchen was able to create some breathing room.
Shimoda kept trying to pursue Kitchen before going down with about two minutes left in the moto. Shimoda was unable to finish, allowing Deegan to move into second place.
With no pressure from behind, Kitchen cruised home with his fifth moto win of his career, outdistancing Deegan by 15.6. That was enough to give him the overall win.
“Jo and I were sending it in that (second) moto, but he went down, which sucks,” Kitchen said. “I hope he’s OK.”
The win allowed Kitchen, who now has two wins in his last three events, back into second place in the season standings with 338 points. Deegan leads with 408 points with two events left in the season.
“I feel so great on the bike,” Kitchen said. “It was a really good day for me.”
In the 450 Class, season leader Chase Sexton won the title, beating out Hunter Lawrence. Sexton continues to lead Lawrence in the season points standings, 407-379.
