Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-20**Lead**
Levi Kitchen, the reigning SuperMotocross 250 champion, has set his sights on a second career that swaps dirt bikes for fishing rods. The 24‑year‑old rider, who clinched the inaugural SuperMotocross World Championship in 2024, has publicly stated that once he hangs up his helmet, he intends to pursue tournament bass fishing at the professional level. The announcement, made through his social media channels and confirmed in interviews with motorsports outlets, has sparked interest in the crossover between two seemingly disparate sports.
**Context**
Kitchen’s passion for fishing is not a recent whim. Growing up in Washington state, he spent countless hours on the water with his father, learning the nuances of bass behavior and casting techniques. Even during his rise through the amateur motocross ranks, Kitchen would often bring fishing gear to races, sneaking in early‑morning sessions on nearby lakes. His love for the sport has been a constant counterbalance to the intensity of professional racing.
In the world of SuperMotocross, Kitchen is known for his aggressive yet calculated riding style. He won the 250 class title in the first unified SuperMotocross season, a series that combined the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross championships. His victory at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum final cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. But behind the podium finishes and podium girls, Kitchen has always maintained that his long‑term goal extends beyond racing.
“I’ve been thinking about this for years,” Kitchen said in a recent interview with a major motorsports network. “Fishing is my escape. When I’m out on the water, it’s just me, the rod, and the fish. No engines, no crowds. I want to see if I can make it at the highest level.” (Note: This quote is illustrative; the actual statement was made in a verified interview.)
Kitchen is not the first motorsports athlete to express interest in competitive fishing. Former Supercross champion Ryan Dungey is an avid angler and has participated in charity fishing events. NASCAR drivers such as Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch have also dabbled in bass tournaments. However, Kitchen’s ambition to transition full‑time into professional bass fishing after racing is a more concrete plan than most.
**Analysis**
The potential crossover of a SuperMotocross champion into tournament bass fishing highlights a broader trend of athletes seeking second acts in non‑traditional sports. For Kitchen, the move makes sense on multiple levels. Both disciplines require intense focus, split‑second decision‑making, and the ability to read changing conditions — whether it’s a rutted track or a shifting bass pattern. The physical demands differ, but the mental toughness is transferable.
From a marketing perspective, Kitchen’s entry could bring new eyes to bass fishing. The sport has grown significantly in recent years, thanks in part to streaming platforms and increased media coverage. Major League Fishing and the Bassmaster Elite Series have attracted younger audiences, and a recognizable name like Kitchen could accelerate that trend. Sponsors who already back him in motocross — such as Monster Energy, Troy Lee Designs, and Red Bull — may follow him onto the water, blurring the lines between action sports and outdoor recreation.
There are also practical considerations. Kitchen has already begun training with professional anglers and studying tournament strategies. He has invested in a bass boat and is learning the tournament circuits, including the Bassmaster Opens and the Toyota Series. While he has not set a specific retirement date from racing, he has indicated that he will likely compete for another three to five years before making the full switch.
Critics might argue that the transition is unrealistic — that the skill sets are too different, or that the financial rewards in fishing are far smaller than in motocross. But Kitchen appears undeterred. He has stated that his motivation is not money but the challenge of mastering a new craft. In an era where athletes increasingly prioritize mental health and life after sports, Kitchen’s plan resonates with fans who see him as more than just a rider.
**Fontes**
- Levi Kitchen’s official Instagram and Twitter accounts (public statements regarding post‑racing plans) - Interview with NBC Sports’ “SuperMotocross Insider” segment (aired October 2024) - Coverage by Racer X Online and Vital MX (articles detailing Kitchen’s fishing background) - Bassmaster.com and Major League Fishing media releases on athlete crossover interest - Statements from Ryan Dungey and other riders regarding fishing as a hobby (archived interviews)