Chase Sexton Prevails at Unadilla to Extend Pro Motocross Championship Win Streak to Four Races, Levi Kitchen Emerges with Second 250 Class Victory in Three Races

The 2024 Pro Motocross Championship, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, marked its ninth round of the season at the iconic Unadilla MX in Central New York. The event, the ELF Fuels Unadilla National, was eagerly anticipated, not just for the competition but also for the 55th anniversary celebration of this legendary track. Despite a week of rain brought by Hurricane Debby, the track was in prime condition, thanks to the diligent work of the event organizers. Under sunny skies and mild temperatures, the stage was set for one of the most thrilling rounds of the season, which saw the overall winners in both classes determined by tiebreakers.

450 Class: Chase Sexton Maintains Momentum

In the 450 Class, Chase Sexton of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing continued his dominant run, securing his fourth consecutive victory by edging out Team Honda HRC’s Hunter Lawrence. The win at Unadilla marked Sexton’s fifth of the season, reinforcing his lead in the championship standings.

Moto 1 Highlights

The opening moto saw Aaron Plessinger of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing take the MotoSport.com Holeshot, with Lawrence and Sexton close behind. After a brief exchange of positions, Lawrence took the lead, with Sexton and Plessinger in pursuit. The battle between Sexton and Lawrence was intense, with each rider taking turns in the lead. Ultimately, Lawrence held on to claim his second career moto win, snapping Sexton’s seven-moto win streak. Plessinger finished third, followed by Justin Cooper and Jason Anderson.

Chase Sexton’s Moto 2 victory proved to be the difference maker in capturing his fourth straight victory. Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Moto 2 Highlights

The second moto saw Sexton take control from the start, securing his first holeshot of the summer. Lawrence, starting from 10th, faced a tough challenge working his way through the pack. Sexton capitalized on the clear track, building a substantial lead. Behind him, Ken Roczen, making his first start of the summer, and Dylan Ferrandis engaged in a fierce battle for second. Lawrence made a late charge, passing both Roczen and Ferrandis to finish second behind Sexton, who took the win by over seven seconds.

Hunter Lawrence earned a moto victory aboard his new 2025 Honda and finished in the runner-up spot. Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Overall Standings

Sexton’s 2-1 moto finishes were enough to edge out Lawrence’s 1-2 for the overall win, thanks to the second moto tiebreaker. Plessinger’s consistent performance earned him the final spot on the podium. Sexton now holds a 28-point lead over Lawrence in the championship standings, with just two rounds remaining.

Aaron Plessinger battled hard in the second moto to secure his fourth podium finish of the season. Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

450 Class Overall Results – Unadilla National

  1. Chase Sexton, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (2-1)
  2. Hunter Lawrence, Team Honda HRC (1-2)
  3. Aaron Plessinger, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (3-4)
  4. Dylan Ferrandis, Phoenix Racing Honda (6-3)
  5. Jason Anderson, Monster Energy Kawasaki (5-5)

450 Class Standings – 2024

  1. Chase Sexton (407 points)
  2. Hunter Lawrence (379 points)
  3. Aaron Plessinger (319 points)
  4. Justin Cooper (317 points)
  5. Jason Anderson (295 points)

250 Class: Levi Kitchen Takes the Win

In the 250 Class, Levi Kitchen of Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki claimed his second overall victory in three races, thanks to a strong 2-1 moto finish. Kitchen’s performance at Unadilla moved him into second place in the championship standings, though Haiden Deegan of Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing still holds a commanding 70-point lead.

Moto 1 Highlights

The first moto saw Kitchen grab the holeshot, but Chance Hymas quickly moved into the lead. However, Hymas crashed out late in the race, allowing Deegan to take the win, followed closely by Kitchen and Max Anstie.

Levi Kitchen’s Moto 2 win gave him the tiebreaker to earn his second career victory. Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Moto 2 Highlights

Kitchen again led the field in the second moto, this time holding off Jo Shimoda for most of the race. A late crash by Shimoda allowed Deegan to move into second, but Kitchen had built a comfortable lead and cruised to victory.

Haiden Deegan saw his points lead grow once again in a runner-up effort. Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

Overall Standings

Kitchen’s second moto win gave him the overall victory on the day, with Deegan finishing second and Jalek Swoll of Triumph Racing taking third, earning Triumph its first-ever podium result.

Jalek Swoll’s second career podium finish was a historic one for Triumph Racing. Photo By MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc.

250 Class Overall Results – Unadilla National

  1. Levi Kitchen, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki (2-1)
  2. Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (1-2)
  3. Jalek Swoll, Triumph Racing (6-4)
  4. Garrett Marchbanks, Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki (5-5)
  5. Max Anstie, Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing (3-8)

250 Class Standings – 2024

  1. Haiden Deegan (408 points)
  2. Levi Kitchen (338 points)
  3. Tom Vialle (327 points)
  4. Jo Shimoda (289 points)
  5. Chance Hymas (275 points)

The 2024 ELF Fuels Unadilla National provided thrilling racing and significant developments in the championship standings. With only two rounds remaining, the battle for the titles in both the 450 and 250 classes is reaching its peak, promising more excitement as the season draws to a close.

Kurhula David Ngobeni

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Kurhula David Ngobeni

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