JUSTIN BARCIA | GRIT-210 | 450SX

JUSTIN BARCIA | GRIT-210 | SX 450

The riddle of both, the Triple Crown format, and the Arlington track layout, would cause quite the conundrum to many racers who entered into this particular round of professional racing. However, Justin Barcia was a valedictorian amongst the "Supercross" curriculum, as he proceeded to put-on a clinic for all in attendance throughout daytime qualifying. Knowing how to counter the rear wheel spin, and the occasional front-end "tuck" of his GasGas 450, his decades of prowess amongst varying conditions would lead him to a significant spot on the overall leaderboard. He would prove that he could sustain more than one strong lap, in the opening moto of the three-race ensemble that followed; throwing caution to the wind while hitting the whoop section at the height of third gear! Though nearly clipping the outer tuff blocks on more than one occasion, his ability to find the smallest portion(s) of racetrack that were smooth, would undoubtedly be next level. Even Aaron Plessinger behind him would have to take note, as the race sped to the halfway point. Eli Tomac would have the reign of the field, out front and nearing the checkered flag at a phenomenal speed, but he wasn't discouraged. Knowing that this was a three-step process, he would be pleased with his accrual of fourth when the dust settled for moto number-one. All eyes were then on the green-flag lap of the second wave of action, where he and Christian Craigwere nearly fender to fender over the largest triple on the track. Landing and almost coming to a halt in the ever-deepening inside groove of the next corner, his momentum into the rhythm lane that followed was a definite catalyst for him residing near seventh (with Craig one spot behind). Twisting the throttle as hard as possible when landing from the finish-line jump, he would scrub his way through the subtle singles that were just thereafter with the idea of "three laps to go," on his mind. The exhibition would end as this race concluded, and with a seventh-place position scored, only the final match of the evening would be left to complete. Nullifying as much wheel-spin as possible when departing from the grate, he would do everything he could to aim for the inner most tuff-block as the field sped into the first corner on the circuit. Managing to launch over the tabletop (just before the finish-line), he wouldn't back down as two laps were completed. There was the majority of the field trailing him, and after running splendidly in third, an uncharacteristic mistake in which he went over the berm (after the whoops) would have him deterred and losing serious position(s)! Though unfazed, he put the power to the ground as quickly as possible and rebounded prior the checkered flag, for seventh in the moto (and seventh overall).

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