Image: Octopi Media.

A clean ride by Levi Kitchen opened his 2022 250SX East account with a P9 in Minneapolis, the Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha rookie able to take valuable lessons from the season-opening round.

The recently-turned 21-year-old showed great pace in qualifying to set the third-fastest time before finishing third in heat two. Following the strong start to the event, Kitchen admitted that he must work on his pace as the track deteriorates.

“Man, it’s chaos out there, and I don’t even feel like I was in that much chaos,” Kitchen stated. “I think today as a whole was really good for my first supercross. I had the speed, I just needed to be comfortable like I was in practice and apply that to the race. Also, as the track breaks down, I need to work on switching my lines up or just adapting to those rougher lines.

“I know what I need to work on so I’m happy and leaving here healthy. I saw a lot of guys down, and I know it’s a long season. I don’t like this result, but for sure, it’s something I can build on next weekend and the weekend after.”

Kitchen entered the year as a highly acclaimed amateur racer, multiple Loretta Lynns titles to his credit and the recipient of the 2021 Nicky Hayden AMA Motocross Horizon Award.

After some experience in Pro Motocross towards the end of the last season, the YZ250F rider broke his shoulder blade in November in a training crash, providing a setback to his supercross pre-season.

Seemingly stronger each time he is on the bike, the unique Triple Crown format at Arlington this Saturday will provide Kitchen with the next opportunity to showcase his talent in the pro ranks.