Levi Kitchen: From Dirt Bikes to Bass Boats

The Unexpected Journey of Levi Kitchen

Levi Kitchen is on a roll, having clinched the 2026 Monster Energy SMX 250 Class World Championship at 25. Yet, as the dust settles from his motocross journey, Kitchen is mapping out a future beyond the race track. Rather than sticking to the familiar, he plans to dive into professional bass fishing when he retires.

Balancing Motocross and Fishing

An accomplished rider with Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki, Kitchen uses angling to unwind during his downtime. Though the thrill of motocross still beckons, Kitchen expressed his interest in tournament fishing during a chat with OutKick OutDoors. Even before fully transitioning, he’s dipped his toes into competitive fishing.

“Me and Tristan, we had a great time… He’s a great dude.”

Earlier in the year, Kitchen joined the Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am, pairing up with angler Tristan McCormick. Despite not leading the scoreboard, Kitchen managed to catch fish and grew a deeper admiration for the sport and its athletes.

Taste of Tournament Fishing

The Celebrity Pro-Am provided insight into the demanding nature of professional fishing.

“It was an eye-opener… If I ever wanted to do that, I’d have to really buckle down.”

Although Kitchen’s fishing skills were put to the test, the experience highlighted the dedication needed to succeed in the sport.

Fishing Roots and Outdoor Passion

Hailing from Washington, Kitchen’s love for fishing began young. A discovery of a fly rod in his father’s shop at age 14 sparked a lifelong passion. Now based in Florida, bass fishing dominates his leisure time, but he still treasures annual steelhead fishing trips back home.

“I still love it… you’ll probably find me on a river fly fishing a lot.”

The Appeal of Fishing to Motocross Athletes

For Kitchen, fishing offers a peaceful contrast to motocross’s intensity. With fellow rider Malcolm Stewart, he appreciates fishing’s tranquil nature.

“We get to kind of calm down and be a little more present.”

The competitive spirit remains, even if championship points aren’t at stake.

Connections in the Fishing Community

The laid-back atmosphere at fishing events contrasts with motocross, where competitors often keep to themselves. Kitchen was struck by this contrast at a tournament with NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss.

“You do not see that in dirt bike racing.”

Motocross Goals and Future Aspirations

Despite his fishing interests, Kitchen’s primary focus remains motocross. With ambitions for 2027, he aims to secure both Supercross and Pro Motocross titles before advancing from the 250 class.

“I want to race for a lot more years to come.”

The 250 SMX World Champion, known for breaking Pro Circuit Kawasaki’s seven-year championship drought, emphasizes a long-term commitment to racing. His strategic approach follows recovery from a Daytona crash, prioritizing smarter, safer racing.

Looking Ahead

While motocross continues to drive Kitchen, fishing remains a cherished pastime. When retirement calls, Kitchen plans to blend passion with potential, swapping his dirt bike for a bass boat.

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