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MONSTER ENERGY® PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RIDER LEVI KITCHEN COMMANDS UNADILLA WITH OVERALL VICTORY
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 11, 2024) - Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen secured his second Pro Motocross victory of the season, finishing first overall with a (2-1) performance. New teammate Garrett Marchbanks showed steady form on the rutted track, earning a fourth-place overall finish with (5-5) results. Ty Masterpool pushed through early setbacks to finish eighth overall (9-9). Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson fought hard for a spot on the 450MX podium, ultimately finishing fifth overall with consistent (5-5) results.
Unadilla Motocross Park, located in New Berlin, New York, is a legendary venue on the Pro Motocross circuit known for its iconic natural terrain and rich motocross history. The track features a mix of rolling hills and off-camber turns, with deep loamy soil that can quickly transform into treacherous ruts. Its famous Gravity Cavity and dynamic elevation changes challenge riders, while the unpredictable Northeastern weather adds an extra layer of difficulty, making Unadilla a true test of skill and endurance.
Severe weather on Friday raised concerns among race teams during Press Day, but the Unadilla MX track crew worked late into the night to ensure optimal conditions. By Saturday morning, Masterpool, Kitchen, and Marchbanks were ready to hit the track, securing second, 10th, and 13th place spots in the qualifiers. In Moto 1 of the 250MX Class, the three KX™250 riders launched off the gate with Kitchen grabbing the holeshot and Masterpool close behind in second. Marchbanks found himself in the top 10 and began settling into his rhythm. Kitchen quickly engaged in a battle for the lead with fastest qualifier Chance Hymas. Hymas passed Kitchen early on, but Kitchen stayed within three seconds of the leader until Hymas made a critical error, allowing Kitchen to reclaim the lead. The current points leader then pressured Kitchen for the lead pushing him back to finish in second place. Masterpool faced adversity after an early mistake dropped him to 29th, but he kept his composure and fought his way back to finish ninth. Marchbanks remained steady on the track, securing a fifth-place finish. In Moto 2, Kitchen and Masterpool once again demonstrated the power of their Kawasaki machines, with Kitchen seizing the holeshot and Masterpool close behind in second. However, a mistake in the third turn forced Masterpool to remount just inside the Top 25. Marchbanks started his race deeper in the pack but quickly worked his way through the field to break into the Top 15. Meanwhile, Kitchen was flawless in his lines and began pulling away from the competition early on. As the race progressed, Kitchen remained relentless, despite pressure from his competitors, this time Kitchen pulled away to secure his third moto win of the season and the overall victory. Despite his early setback, Masterpool maintained his consistency, fighting his way back into the top 10 to finish ninth. Marchbanks made an impressive debut on his Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki, finishing fifth once again.
In the 450MX Class, Anderson began his weekend by qualifying third. In Moto 1, he started the race in fourth position and quickly found himself in a competitive battle, dropping to fifth place. Early errors cost him some ground on the leaders, but he managed to recover and improve his lap times, ultimately finishing the race in fifth place. In Moto 2 of the 450MX Class, Anderson shot out of the gate and began his charge in sixth. Within a few turns, he engaged in a battle with the lead pack and surged into fourth. As he distanced himself from the pack around the halfway mark Anderson advanced forward into a podium position in third place. Late in the race the Moto 1 winner advanced to drop Anderson back a position, ultimately securing a respectable fifth-place finish.
