The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship roared back to life at Spring Creek MX Park in Minnesota for a day of challenging weather and thrilling racing. In the premier 450 Class, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Chase Sexton continued his dominance, sweeping both motos to extend his championship lead. The 250 Class saw a new face atop the podium, as Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Levi Kitchen captured his first career Pro Motocross victory with a 1-1 performance.
Chase Sexton asserted himself once more with a sweep of the motos. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
High humidity and scorching temperatures greeted riders in the 450 Class, giving way to dramatic late-race thunderstorms that transformed the track into a demanding test of skill and endurance. Sexton, fresh off his victory at the previous round, wasted no time asserting his dominance. After a strong start in Moto 1, he patiently stalked championship rival Hunter Lawrence (Team Honda HRC) before making a decisive pass for the lead midway through the race. He never looked back, cruising to a comfortable victory.
Hunter Lawrence continued his incredible consistency with a runner-up finish. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Moto 2 saw Sexton face a slightly different challenge. A less-than-ideal start left him outside the top five early, but he remained composed and methodically worked his way through the field. By the halfway point, he had overtaken third place and set his sights on the leaders, Lawrence and Justin Cooper (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing). Another patient and calculated move put him in front, and he rode away to secure his second straight moto win and solidify his position atop the championship standings.
Justin Cooper (32) parlayed a holeshot in Moto 2 into a podium result in third. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Levi Kitchen broke through for his maiden victory in Pro Motocross competition. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
Haiden Deegan once again showed his resiliency in a runner-up effort. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The 250 Class saw a season-defining performance from Levi Kitchen. After a challenging start to the season, Kitchen found his rhythm at Spring Creek, battling for the lead throughout both motos. In Moto 1, he capitalized on a mistake by early leader Haiden Deegan (Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing) to take the lead and hold on for his first career moto win. Moto 2 followed a similar script, with Kitchen battling back from an early setback to overtake rookie Casey Cochran (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing) and claim another victory. This dominant 1-1 performance cemented Kitchen's place in history as the 94th rider to win a 250 Class moto and the third different winner this season.
Rookie Casey Cochran emerged with the first podium result of his career. Photo Credit: MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.
The Pro Motocross Championship continues next weekend with a return to the West Coast for Round 8 at the famed Washougal MX Park in Washington. With Sexton firmly in control of the 450 Class and the 250 Class wide open, the next few rounds promise even more intense racing as riders vie for championship glory. Get your tickets at www.MOTO.events.
