The world of AMA Pro Motocross is heating up as we head into the final stretch of the 2026 season. Unadilla, a notoriously challenging track, witnessed a significant shake-up in the 250 class, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Levi Kitchen, the points leader, entered the day with a slim seven-point advantage over his closest rival, Cole Davies. But Unadilla had other plans.
The Unadilla Shake-Up
Unadilla proved to be a pivotal moment in the championship battle. Kitchen, who hadn't tasted victory since Hangtown, laid down the fastest qualifier time, sending a clear message to his competitors. Meanwhile, Davies struggled in qualifying, and a hard crash added to his woes. It seemed like Kitchen's momentum was back on track.
In Moto one, Kitchen's decent start, a relative term for him, saw him quickly move up the field. By lap eight, he had taken the lead, showcasing his prowess on the challenging Unadilla course. However, the track's tough conditions caught up with Chance Hymas, who also crashed, allowing Davies to reclaim second place. Kitchen's lead going into Moto two was a comfortable ten points.
The Start Struggle and the Chase
A recurring theme in Kitchen's season has been his struggle with starts. In a highly competitive field, a poor start often meant getting caught up in first-turn pile-ups. Davies, on the other hand, has been consistently strong off the line, a skill he has honed to perfection. After a first-turn crash, making it into the top ten was considered an achievement, and Kitchen had experienced this all too often.
During the break, fans hoped Kitchen's team could address his start issues, and Moto one seemed to show some improvement. But fate had other plans. In Moto two, Kitchen had a great jump, only to be sent off-track by a collision with Landen Gordon and Julien Beaumer. Despite an incredible ride from 37th to sixth, Davies took an easy win, reducing the points gap to just one.
The Pressure Cooker
Davies, in his own words, feels the weight of being in second place. He's aware of the championship implications and the need to maximize points. But he also believes Kitchen, with the red plate, is under more pressure. Kitchen, for his part, is focused on moving forward, often oblivious to who he's riding with. A mistake in the final lap of Moto two, where he mistakenly thought Brodie Connolly was a lapper, could have cost him dearly.
The Wild Card and the Final Stretch
With just two rounds left, the championship is anyone's game. Kitchen leads by a slender one-point margin, but Davies is hot on his heels. Even Julien Beaumer, currently 44 points behind, can't be ruled out in this unpredictable season. The summer has been a rollercoaster, and fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling conclusion.
In my opinion, this season has been a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of AMA Pro Motocross. The battle between Kitchen and Davies is a classic tale of momentum shifts and strategic racing. As we head into the final rounds, the pressure is on, and the outcome remains uncertain. It's a thrilling narrative that keeps fans engaged and guessing until the very end.
