Monster Energy® SMX World Championship Final
Ridgedale, MO
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Monster Energy Pro Circuit Kawasaki's Levi Kitchen Crowned 250 SMX World Champion
Monster Energy® Pro Circuit Kawasaki rider Levi Kitchen captured the 2026 250 Class SMX World Championship at the final round of the series in Ridgedale, Missouri, in front of a sold-out crowd. Kitchen delivered when it mattered most, earning podium finishes in both motos and second overall to secure the championship. Teammate Cameron McAdoo bounced back after a difficult Moto 1 to finish ninth overall (13-5). Drew Adams and Nick Romano endured a pair of challenging motos to finish 16th (16-17) and 19th (19-20) overall, respectively. Monster Energy Kawasaki rider Garrett Marchbanks put in a consistent Top 10 day for seventh (10-7) on the day and sixth overall in the SMX championship.
SMX Results
Levi Kitchen
250SMX
“Feels great to get this championship. It was a stressful day, but I was able to execute two good starts, and I completed my plan to a T. I knew Cole [Davies] was going to be fast, and I knew he was going to be a good way to try to break away from the rest of the guys, so it worked out. First moto, he got me, and then second moto I got a good start and tried to stay with him as long as I could and just managed it from there. The rain coming down too made it a little bit sketchy, but we were able to get it done. I want to thank Mitch and the team for everything, and it feels good to get this done together.”
Cameron McAdoo
250SMX
“I had a fun day here, and it was a fun track. I had a really frustrating first race. I was stuck behind someone for the first 12 minutes of the moto, and that was really frustrating. I ended up getting by and then making a lot of moves at the end, but still only got 13th. I had a great Moto 2. I ran fourth pretty much the whole time. I kind of stung my wrist towards the end and went off in the sand and ended up getting fifth, but it was a good way to end it here. Glad I was able to close out the season close to the front in that second moto. I really appreciate everyone in this program who has done so much for me and always been by my side.”
Drew Adams
250SMX
“It wasn’t a great day here, to be honest. I really just wasn’t myself today. I struggled with some arm tightness all day that really affected both motos. In the first moto, I actually had a great start, but another rider cut the track in front of me, forcing me to drop back. For the second moto, I didn't have a lot in me and didn’t perform well. I threw away a lot and left a lot out there. Going into the off-season, I just want to stay healthy and really focus on myself. I want to take a big step forward to focus on myself and my program more, and get ready for next year.”
Nick Romano
250SMX
“Last round of the year and it wasn’t my best performance. I had some good speed, but I just haven’t had a lot of time on the bike coming into this series with my back injury, so I did what I could. We had long weeks and even longer weekends, but definitely an eye-opener, and I know what I need to work on and change for this coming year, and I'm super excited about it. I'm thankful to have this team around me. I’ll go back home and enjoy these next couple of weeks and lock in for 2027.”
Garrett Marchbanks
450SMX
“The day was solid. I qualified ninth overall. I knew it was going to be a hard last round. The last round has been tough for me the last couple of years when I raced these. I’m fighting some injuries right now and came into the week feeling under the weather. I told myself, give it all you have, and we'll see how it pans out. I went 10-7 for seventh overall, and sixth in the championship. It has been a really good year for me, especially the second half after supercross. We really figured some things out during supercross and were able to turn it around outdoors and stay consistent. I haven't always been great in these playoffs, so I was really happy with the progress we made this year and the progress today. I'm super proud of the team; they did an amazing job, and I really appreciate everything they do to put me in the best position possible.”
