Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki fill-in rider Carson Mumford made his debut with the team in Seattle, labelling his first competitive outing as part of the program as ‘definitely promising’ in 250SX West.

Mumford started strong in Lumen Field to post the fourth-fastest time in qualifying before going on to lead laps in his heat race, where he would ultimately finish second to eventual race winner Pierce Brown (TLD Red Bull GasGas).

“I was able to qualify fourth out of the B practice session and battled for the win in my heat race,” said Mumford. “I’m happy with where my speed was and how the bike handled on such a torn-up track.”

The 21-year-old lined up for the main event with the fourth pick of the gate, but a bad start would see the KX250 rider fight his way from 11th place on the opening lap to P7, before finishing his first main event with the famed Kawasaki team in eighth spot.

“In the main event, I ended up riding pretty tight after midway, which is not ideal, but is a bit to be expected with all things considered. I focused on continuing to hit my marks and came through the checkered in eighth. The speed I had early was definitely promising and it was good to bring home a steady result inside the top-10 to get the ball rolling.

“Overall, it was a positive first race for me with the Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki team. I’ve dreamed of riding for this team since I was a kid, so there was a conscious effort for me to manage expectations throughout the day and to not try to go for too much too soon.”

As the series now heads into a weekend off, Mumford will look to use two weeks prior to heading to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on 8 April to continue to build and further accustom himself amongst his new surroundings.