A true homecoming for motocross professional Levi Kitchen at Washougal National

Levi Kitchen rode a few laps during Media Day activities on Friday at the Washougal MX Park. Kitchen is a professional rider who grew up in Washougal. Photo by Paul Valencia

Levi Kitchen will be a huge fan favorite, racing on his hometown track at the Motosport.com Washougal National on Saturday

Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com

WASHOUGAL — There are Northwest riders who get plenty of support from the Washougal motocross racing crowd.

There are Washington guys who can see the fans waving their hands in their direction.

There are even Clark County riders who hear the roars.

But when the public address announcer informs the crowd this weekend that there is a hometown rider in the largest professional sporting event in Southwest Washington, well, it is indeed a hometime racer.

Levi Kitchen used to be able to ride his bike on a trail from his house to the Washougal MX Park. That trail, he said, has been blocked off, but now he needs a plane trip to get back to Washougal anyway.

A sign in Washougal welcomes race fans and hometown hero Levi Kitchen, who will be racing at Washougal for the first time as a professional. Kitchen grew up a short distance from the Washougal MX Park. Photo courtesy Curtis Paulson

Based in Florida as a professional motocross rider representing Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing, Kitchen will be racing as a pro for the first time on his home course this weekend. A rookie last year, Kitchen was injured just days before he was going to compete in Washougal.

On Friday, he said he is healthy and looking forward to his homecoming.

The Motosport.com Washougal National is Saturday at the park. Some of the best motocross riders in the world are on their annual trek to the Pacific Northwest.

Levi Kitchen will be sleeping in his own bed.

A big sign in Washougal welcomes race fans to the area, and this year, the sign has an added message: Welcome Home Star Racing Yamaha Rider #43 Levi Kitchen.

“That was pretty cool,” Kitchen said, noting that the sign meant a lot to him.

Levi Kitchen, who grew up in Washougal, was a popular interview at Media Day for the Motosport.com Washougal National, which is Saturday at the Washougal MX Park. Photo by Paul Valencia

“I’m excited about it,” he said of racing on the track he grew up riding, in front of the local fans. “It comes with some pressure and expectations. I’m fine with that. For me, it’s just nice to see some familiar faces and see some friends. It’s nice to be home.”

He said he has not met his own expectations this motocross season. But, with four races left, there is time to make his mark.

That could start Saturday.

“Just get out of the gate good, and win,” Kitchen said of what he wants to happen. “That’s a perfect weekend.”

While not going top speed for these laps on Friday, Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing still got some air on this jump at the Washougal MX Park. Photo by Paul Valencia

He then plans to golf in nearby Carson on Sunday. There is a break from the Pro Motocross Championship series after the Washougal race, so Kitchen is sticking around his hometown for a couple of days for some rest and fun.

He just might head out to the Washougal River, too.

“I grew up fishing on the river,” he said.

Right next to the Washougal MX Park.

Levi Kitchen will be racing as a professional for the first time on his hometown track when he competes at the Washougal National on Saturday. Photo by Paul Valencia

Washougal MX National notes:

The Motosport.com Washougal National is the eighth in an 11-round series for the summer Pro Motocross Championship.

Jett Lawrence of Australia comes to Washougal perfect through seven rounds in the 450 Class. He has won all 14 motos.

Chase Sexton looks to be the one who could end Lawrence’s run at perfection. Sexton and Lawrence had a competitive race last weekend, and Sexton is the two-time defending champion at Washougal.

Levi Kitchen rides in the 250 Class. He finished second at Redbud in Michigan a couple weeks back, an event that included a Moto victory. He is fifth in the season points race. Hunter Lawrence of Australia is in first place in the 250 standings.

Advice for fans:

Every year, the Washougal MX National attracts more than 20,000 fans. Track officials say they might have a record year Saturday. In all, a track-record 1,280 amateurs signed up for amateur racing in the days leading up to Saturday, when the professionals will be taking over the course.

While many folks camp at the park, more racing fans show up on race day. And that can be difficult. The park is approximately eight miles from downtown Washougal, up Washougal River Road. That’s an eight-mile stretch with thousands heading to the same place.

Curtis Paulson, longtime track announcer at Washougal, said fans should get on the road by 5:30 or 6 a.m. to ensure they are parked and at the facility before practice starts at 8 a.m. Race fans are asked for patience getting in and out of the park.

Tickets, race information:

Practice and qualifying for the Washougal MX National starts at 8 a.m. Saturday. Opening ceremonies are at 12:30 p.m. The first Motos are 1 p.m., with the second Motos starting at 2:30 p.m.Tickets are $70 for Saturday general admission, and $30 for pit passes from 9 a.m. to noon. To purchase tickets online, go here: https://washougalmx.ticketspice.com/washougal-pro-motocross-nationals-2023