Levi Kitchen

“It was pretty emotional for me just because it had taken a while to win anything of that caliber,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen described the emotional weight of winning a championship after a long wait.

“It didn't really take any pressure off,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen said winning the championship did not relieve pressure.

“I've had some heartbreaks, obviously been close, but it felt really good.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen spoke about winning his first professional title after years of near-misses.

“The only thing it did was help me with the belief side of things. Just being able to execute.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen said the championship helped his belief and ability to execute.

“Mitch has done so much for me,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen praised team owner Mitch Payton's support after winning the championship.

“Slowly but surely, I've made really good progress, and I have all my confidence back,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen said he gradually regained his confidence after his injury.

“I want to race for a lot more years to come and can't be too stupid,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen acknowledged the need to avoid reckless behavior for longevity in the sport.

“If I look back at that season, even when I came back on the bike, in 2025, I was maybe a top-five guy outdoors. And then at least was able to compete for the championship this year.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen reflected on his 2025 outdoor performance versus his 2026 championship form.

“The Supercross Championship has been a major goal of mine, so that's my first goal,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen named the Supercross Championship as his next major goal.

“Just maturity of racing,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen attributed his growth to racing maturity.

“It can be a real pain in the butt to build yourself back up.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen described the difficulty of rebuilding himself after injury.

“Now, if I don't really have it on a day, I try to be as smart as I can. Where before, I would probably still try and then end up on the ground or something.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen described how he now races more smartly on off days.

“But overall, just maybe be a little better than I was this year.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen aimed to improve on his 2026 performance in the coming season.

“Me and Mitch have gotten close over the years, and he's been a great boss and friend of mine now. So it was super special.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen described his close relationship with team owner Mitch Payton following his title win.

“I don't think you'll ever be satisfied, really, which is a tough thing,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen reflected on the difficulty of ever feeling fully satisfied as a racer.

“The belief side of it is super important. And I think on any given day, if I show up with the belief that I can get something done, normally I can get it done.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen explained the importance of belief in his performance.

“The biggest thing I would say is just finally the belief,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen identified belief as his biggest improvement.

“It just goes to show, I think fans, or just anybody, don't realize how much injuries can really affect everything.”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen noted that fans may not realize how much injuries affect riders.

“Oh yeah, big time,”

Levi Kitchen · said date not stated · reported 2026-10-22

Kitchen confirmed it was difficult to regain his confidence after the Daytona crash.