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MONSTER ENERGY® PRO CIRCUIT KAWASAKI RIDER LEVI KITCHEN CLAIMS SECOND CONSECUTIVE OVERALL WIN AT BUDDS CREEK
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (August 18, 2024) - Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen secured his third Pro Motocross victory and second consecutive win of the season, finishing first overall (3-1) at Round 10 of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship at the Budds Creek National. Teammate Ty Masterpool pushed through early setbacks to finish 10th overall (11-9) while Garrett Marchbanks continued to find his groove, finishing 12th overall (16-11). Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson showed consistency, finishing fifth overall (5-6) while Monster Energy® Kawasaki test rider Broc Tickle returned to the gate, finishing eighth overall (9-10).
Budds Creek MX is located in Mechanicsville, Maryland, is known for its challenging terrain and storied history in the sport. The track's natural elevation changes, technical jumps, and sweeping turns make it a favorite among riders and fans alike, offering a thrilling experience that tests the skills of even the most seasoned motocross competitors.
Saturday morning before qualifying, a rain shower swept through the track, making for a muddy first qualifying session. Masterpool, Kitchen, and Marchbanks maneuvered through the slick course, securing the second, eighth, and 14th place spots respectively in qualifying. In Moto 1 of the 250MX Class, Kitchen secured a solid start, beginning the race in second place and Marchbanks in 15th. Masterpool was looking at a Top 5 start until a first turn crash sent him to 38th place. Kitchen quickly found his groove, maintaining second place for a majority of the moto. Masterpool began his charge back towards the front, claiming 20 positions by Lap 6. Marchbanks continued to move through the pack as well until a mistake caused him to lose a few positions. Kitchen maintained a consistent pace until fatigue from illness eventually took its toll where he fell back to fourth. On the final lap Kitchen capitalized on another rider's mistake, overtaking the third position where he would finish. Masterpool made an incredible charge, finishing 11th and Marchbanks in 16th. In Moto 2, Kitchen shot out of the gate on his KX™250 securing the holeshot, Masterpool close behind in fourth and Marchbanks in 12th. Kitchen began to stretch his lead each lap, and Masterpool battled in the Top 5. A mid-race battle unfolded between Kitchen and Chance Hymas, but the No. 47 stayed composed, eventually pulling away to create a gap between himself and second place. Masterpool eventually felt the effects of his Moto 1 crash, dropping a few positions but keeping a solid pace to finish ninth. Marchbanks maintained a steady pace throughout the moto, finishing in 11th place. Kitchen held his lead from start to finish, claiming the win and overall for the weekend.
In the 450MX Class, Anderson began his weekend by qualifying fifth and Tickle in 25th. In Moto 1, Tickle started the race in fourth position and Anderson close behind. Anderson soon overtook his teammate, settling into fifth. Tickle began to battle with competitors, losing a few positions but remaining in the Top 10. Anderson stayed consistent throughout the remainder of the moto to finish fifth, and Tickle in ninth. In Moto 2 Anderson claimed a seventh place start and Tickle 11th. The KX™450SR riders began to charge, slowly making up positions. Anderson put on a charge battling with Malcolm Stewart for fourth until a mistake caused him to lose ground and another position. Tickle eventually broke back into the Top 10 to finish 10th in the moto. Anderson would maintain his speed to finish sixth in the moto.
