The 250 class of the AMA Pro Motocross Championship is a rollercoaster, and I mean that in the best possible way. It’s the kind of season where you’re constantly on the edge of your seat, not just because of the high-octane action, but because of the sheer unpredictability. Personally, I think this is what makes motocross so compelling—it’s not just about speed or skill; it’s about resilience, luck, and the ability to adapt when everything seems to be falling apart. And this season? It’s a masterclass in all of that.
The Battle for the Red Plate
What makes this season particularly fascinating is the way the championship lead has been traded like a hot potato. Levi Kitchen and Cole Davies are at the heart of this tug-of-war, and their recent showdown at Washougal was a perfect microcosm of the season’s chaos. Davies went 1-1, clawing back 18 points on Kitchen, who managed a respectable 6-6 despite a disastrous start in the first moto. But here’s the thing: Davies didn’t just win because he’s fast—he won because he capitalized on Kitchen’s misfortunes. And that’s the story of this season: consistency is rare, but seizing opportunities is everything.
The Start Line Dilemma
One thing that immediately stands out is how much starts matter in this class. Kitchen’s struggles off the gate have been well-documented, and it’s not just bad luck. At 6’1”, he’s taller and heavier than most riders, which puts him at a disadvantage in those crucial first few seconds. What many people don’t realize is that in a class this competitive, a bad start isn’t just inconvenient—it’s exhausting. Kitchen’s first moto at Washougal was a herculean effort just to get to sixth, and it left him gassed for the second. Meanwhile, Davies has been nailing his starts, and it’s paying dividends. If you take a step back and think about it, this isn’t just about physical ability; it’s about strategy, preparation, and the mental game.
The Mental Grind
Speaking of the mental game, Kitchen’s post-race comments were revealing. He admitted to being ‘tired of picking [his] bike up,’ which is a detail I find especially interesting. It’s not just the physical toll of coming from behind; it’s the mental fatigue of knowing you’re always playing catch-up. Davies, on the other hand, seems to thrive under pressure. After his disastrous weekend at Spring Creek, he bounced back with a dominant performance at Washougal. What this really suggests is that while both riders are incredibly talented, Davies might have the edge when it comes to mental toughness—at least for now.
The Broader Implications
This raises a deeper question: What does this season say about the sport as a whole? In my opinion, it highlights the fine line between success and failure in motocross. Bad luck can derail a championship, but it’s how you respond that defines you. Davies’ ability to reset after setbacks is a testament to his resilience, while Kitchen’s struggles remind us that even the most talented riders have weaknesses. What’s also interesting is how this season reflects the sport’s evolution. With riders like Sacha Coenen winning with a broken collarbone, the bar for what’s possible—and what’s expected—is constantly being raised.
Looking Ahead
With two weekends off before Unadilla, both riders have time to regroup. But the real question is whether Kitchen and his team can address his start issues. Personally, I think they’ll make some progress, but it won’t be a complete fix. Davies, meanwhile, will be looking to build on his momentum. What this season really needs is a head-to-head battle between these two, with both riders starting out front and going all out. That’s the kind of racing fans want to see, and it’s what this championship deserves.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one takeaway from this season, it’s that motocross is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about crossing the finish line first. Davies and Kitchen are both exceptional riders, but their paths to the top couldn’t be more different. From my perspective, this isn’t just a battle for the championship—it’s a study in contrasts, a reminder that there’s no single formula for success. And that, more than anything, is what makes this season so captivating.
