In the midst of an impressive first full season of 250 Class competition in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship, Monster Energy Star Yamaha Racing's Levi Kitchen shared heartbreaking news on social media that he suffered a broken wrist in a crash while practicing for the second half of the 50th anniversary season. He underwent surgery to repair the break and will be out of action indefinitely.

Kitchen had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the 2022 season, highlighted by the first moto win of his career at the Thunder Valley National in Colorado in June that led to his maiden overall podium result. He also enjoyed an impressive moto performance at the most recent round in Southwick, with a fierce challenge against championship leader and Team Honda HRC rider Jett Lawrence. Through six rounds, Kitchen sat fifth in the 250 Class standings.

Adding to the heartbreak is the fact that Kitchen will not have the opportunity to compete as a professional for the first time at his home race, the MotoSport.com Washougal National on July 23. The Washougal native would have been a heavy fan favorite and was poised to enjoy a breakthrough performance at his home National.