Levi Kitchen: A Champion’s Journey

Levi Kitchen has reached the pinnacle of the SuperMotocross world, but achieving this level demanded more than just a physical recovery from a significant injury. It required him to rebuild his self-trust.

At just 25 years old, the rider for Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki clinched the 2026 Monster Energy SMX 250 Class World Championship in September 2026. This win not only marked his first professional title but also ended a seven-year championship drought for his team.

This moment was pivotal for Kitchen, who had faced numerous injuries and obstacles while striving to secure a championship throughout his career.

“It was unreal,” Kitchen reflected in an interview. “I’ve had some close calls and heartbreaks, but it felt really good to finally win.” He added that winning something of this magnitude was emotional for him after such a long wait.

The Long Road Back from Daytona

Kitchen’s journey took a turn in March 2025 when a severe crash during the Daytona Supercross resulted in a broken collarbone and upper back fractures, sidelining him for the rest of that season. While his physical injuries healed eventually, he encountered a different kind of challenge in his mental recovery.

When asked about regaining his confidence post-crash, Kitchen acknowledged, “Oh yeah, big time.” Reflecting on his comeback, he noted that in 2025, he was merely a top-five contender in outdoor races, but this year he was able to compete for a championship.

However, this progress wasn’t instantaneous. “I slowly made really good strides and regained my confidence,” he explained. Kitchen emphasized that many spectators might not fully understand the toll injuries can take on a rider. He remarked, “It’s a real pain to construct yourself back up,” noting that just being back on the bike doesn’t mean one has regained their previous level of confidence or performance.

Learning When to Back Off

Through his experiences, Kitchen has come to believe that trusting his abilities while acknowledging his limits has been one of his largest gains. “The belief factor is crucial,” he said. “Most days, if I show up with that belief, I can usually execute.” But he also recognized that confidence isn’t all there is to it.

He explained that he now practices more restraint. This can be difficult in a sport where pushing boundaries is routine. “It’s about racing maturity,” he noted. “If I’m not feeling it one day, I try to play it smart. Previously, I’d just push through and could easily end up on the ground.” It’s a tough lesson he learned but one that he knows will benefit him in the long haul.

After securing the 250SMX World Championship at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri, this maturation in mentality became evident. The victory was particularly meaningful not just for him, but also for his team, which had been waiting for a championship for seven long years.

Kitchen expressed gratitude towards his team owner, Mitch Payton, saying, “He’s been a great boss and friend, and it felt especially rewarding.”

One Championship Down, More to Chase

Even with his first title under his belt, Kitchen isn’t feeling complacent. In fact, winning has fueled his ambitions further. “It’s not that the pressure has lifted; it just helped bolster my belief in what I can achieve,” he said. He has his eyes set on winning both a Supercross and a Pro Motocross championship in 2027 while staying in the 250 class for at least another season.

“The Supercross Championship is a major goal for me. That’s my primary focus,” Kitchen shared. “Overall, I just want to be slightly better than I was this year.” And while he’s enjoying this victory, he’s aware of the challenges ahead and that the next championship won’t necessarily come any easier.

“I think the drive to improve is always there, which can be tough,” he said, reflecting on the nature of competition.

Nonetheless, he can take some pride in how far he has come. Just a year ago, he was working to regain confidence after a serious crash; now, he stands as a world champion. Perhaps, most importantly, he’s learned not just to ride faster, but when it’s wise to slow down.