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MONSTER ENERGY®/PRO CIRCUIT/KAWASAKI RIDER LEVI KITCHEN TAKES THE HOMETOWN WIN AND EXTENDS POINTS LEAD IN SEATTLE
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (March 24, 2024) - Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen dominated his hometown race with a heat race win and the Western Regional 250SX Main Event win in Seattle. Monster Energy® Kawasaki riders Jason Anderson and Adam Cianciarulo claimed seventh and fifth in their heat races, and 10th and 14th in the 450SX Main Event, respectively.
Lumen Field, located in Seattle, Washington, has a rich history as a prominent sports and entertainment venue. Originally named CenturyLink Field upon its opening in 2002, the stadium has been the home of the Seattle Seahawks and over the years, it has also hosted numerous concerts, soccer matches, and other events. Notably, Lumen Field has become an iconic destination for the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, known for its challenging terrain. The stadium's expansive layout and enthusiastic crowd provide an ideal setting for the excitement of Supercross racing. Each year, the event draws enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest, showcasing thrilling competition of the sport's top riders. Lumen Field's association with Monster Energy AMA Supercross has cemented its status as a premier venue for motorsports in the region.
Following a rainy week at open air Lumen Field, morning free practices on Saturday were canceled to ensure the track was properly prepared. During the slippery morning qualifying sessions, Kitchen swiftly found his rhythm, clinching the second-best overall time. With the morning rain subsided, the No. 47 of Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki was primed for the night's events. As the gate dropped for 250SX Heat 1, Kitchen shot out of the gate, seizing the first holeshot of the evening and a roar from the hometown crowd. Crossing the finish line, Kitchen took a convincing first place. In the main event, the No. 47 KX™250 exhibited its superior power and consistent starting technique, claiming yet another holeshot. With each passing lap, Kitchen extended his lead, ultimately triumphing as the flames illuminated the stadium securing victory in his home state of Washington.
In the 450SX Class, Anderson and Cianciarulo commenced their weekend by securing the fifth and 10th qualifying spots. In 450SX Heat 1, Cianciarulo initiated his evening within the top 10 but swiftly navigated past his competitors early in the race. As the clock wound down and the checkered flag waved, the No. 9 clinched fifth place. In Heat 2, Anderson positioned himself among the top 10 at the beginning of the race, quickly advancing to fourth. Despite a few costly errors, the No. 21 ultimately finished seventh. In the 450SX Main Event, Cianciarulo and Anderson burst out of the gate, crossing the holeshot line in second and third place. Engaging in a fierce battle on the treacherous and rutted track, both riders fought valiantly to maintain their positions but faced swift overtakes. With the track deteriorating further, errors became commonplace among the field of competitors. As the race drew to a close, Anderson claimed 10th place while Cianciarulo finished in 14th position, respectively.
“Today was a solid day for me and my Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team from start to finish. I woke up feeling good this morning and went out there and qualified second. In my heat race, I holeshotted that and won that one. In my main, I did the exact same thing. It was a picture perfect day and it was awesome to get this done in front of my home crowd. I am going to enjoy this one, but I am ready for more racing next weekend in St. Louis.”
- Levi Kitchen
“In the slippery qualifying sessions I finished fifth overall. During the heat races, I did not feel comfortable on that gnarly track. During my main event, I was trying to run up front with the guys, but ultimately dropped down to 10th. Overall, not my best day of racing, but the entire Monster Energy® Kawasaki team kept me dialed in all day and we will turn this around next weekend on a normal supercross track that won’t be impacted by weather.”
- Jason Anderson
“This weekend was a challenge for me. The muddy qualifying sessions went pretty well for me and my Monster Energy® Kawasaki team had the bike dialed all day, adapting to the track. I had a pretty good heat race and finished fifth. In the main, I had a great start, but the track was so difficult out there. Overall, I put my best effort forward and we ended up where we ended up. I always love coming to Seattle because the fans are great and the energy is great. We will take it this weekend and move onto St. Louis.”
- Adam Cianciarulo
