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MONSTER ENERGY® KAWASAKI RIDERS BRING HOME SECOND PLACE IN GLENDALE
Foothill Ranch, Calif. (February 11, 2024) – Monster Energy Kawasaki and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki race teams had a big night of racing at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, earning podium finishes in both the Western Regional 250SX and 450SX classes at Round 6 of Monster Energy AMA Supercross. Monster Energy® Kawasaki rider Jason Anderson battled one of the slickest racing surfaces of the season so far, securing second place in both his heat race and the 450SX Main Event. Meanwhile, Levi Kitchen, representing Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki, maintained the red plate signifying the series championship points leader, after winning his heat race and securing second in the 250SX Main Event in The Grand Canyon State.
Originally opened in 2006, State Farm Stadium, located in Glendale, Arizona has been the home of the Arizona Cardinals, the National Football League (NFL) team. Its state-of-the-art facilities and retractable roof make it an ideal location for a wide range of activities. State Farm Stadium has become a notable venue for Monster Energy Supercross events. The stadium has hosted thrilling rounds of the Monster Energy® AMA Supercross Championship, attracting motocross enthusiasts and fans from around the country. The combination of the stadium's modern amenities, large floor space and the electrifying atmosphere of Monster Energy® Supercross events has established the stadium as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts in the southwestern United States.
Glendale SX also acts as a hometown race for the New Mexico native, Anderson, as the closest race for family and friends and Anderson gave them something to cheer for by kicking off the weekend by securing the fastest overall qualifying position on his Monster Energy® Kawasaki KX™450SR. Despite a mid-pack start in the heat race, he impressively maneuvered through the first corner and fought for the lead, ultimately finishing in second place. In the 450SX Main Event, Anderson once again executed some quick passes in the first few moments of the race, quickly climbing into the Top 3 by the end of the initial rhythm section. Exploiting a mistake from a competitor on the tricky racing surface, he advanced to second place and would maintain a strong pace with the leader in sight, concluding the race in that position, and holding onto fifth place in the points standings.
Kitchen started the weekend off by clinching the second overall qualifying position. In Heat 1 of the 250 class, the No. 47 surged out of the gate and dominated, securing the victory in his heat race. Moving on to the 250SX Main Event, the Monster Energy®/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider claimed another holeshot. Engaging in an early battle for the lead with the other Western Regional 250SX class points leader, a mistake by Jordon Smith allowed the No. 47 to capitalize. Kitchen continued to battle through the race, and as the checkered flag waved Kitchen secured second place overall, maintaining the exclusive points lead before the extended break for 250 West riders.
“All in all, it was a strong day for me. Qualifying went well, securing the second spot, and I clinched the win in my heat race. In the main event, I faced a bit of sluggishness in the initial five minutes, likely due to some crazy stuff within the top three. Fortunately, I made my way through the chaos unscathed and ultimately secured the second position. So, it turned out to be a successful night for me and the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team and I'm thrilled to leave with the red plate.”
- Levi Kitchen
“This weekend went well for me! I was able to qualify my KX™450SR on the pole which was nice. That definitely helped with my confidence heading into the night show. My heat race was decent, but I was able to get up to second which was nice for a gate pick in the main. In the main I was riding really well and then I got up to second, was by myself, and was just able to put in my laps and get on the podium, so overall a solid weekend here in Glendale. Huge thank you to all of the Monster Energy® Kawasaki team for this success.”
- Jason Anderson
