JUSTIN BARCIA - GRIT 243 450SX

GRIT-243 |450 SX

Possessing world-renowned talent after racing at the professional level for well over a decade, GasGas' Justin Barcia once again proved that he remained a threat for single-digit finishes after his performance in Alabama. Flying amongst the muddy conditions for practice, he was as aggressive as anyone could imagine despite the slick surface arising for qualification...barreling into the heat race thereafter with immense courage as he acquired an initial standing of fifth. Quickly into fourth, he was just behind Dylan Ferrandis and proceeded to pursue a pace that was difficult for the French rider to handle. Though the opportunity to make passes was rather dim, Barcia somehow found a way to sneak by the number fourteen as the halfway point came to fruition. He (Barcia) would do his best to reel-in that of Jason Anderson who was ahead...but meanwhile Florida's Malcolm Stewart was on a superb path of his own! The battle between the trio of riders had spanned decades now, and for this occasion, Stewart was able to burst forward with only two circuits remaining...now fourth, Barcia would actually follow Malcolm to the rear wheel of Anderson - but it was too little, too late for the New York native. And with the exceptional performance, Barcia acquired fourth before advancing to the final race. Beginning the trek to the checkered flag in tenth, he would pass Colt Nichols and Dylan Ferrandis to acquire eighth by lap two. Tripling through the rollers while attempting to dash to the inside often corner thereafter, his process of seat-hopping while keeping the throttle pinned through the longest rhythm sections was certainly a sight to see as the crowd roared with enthusiasm. His pace, would then equate to seventh as he overtook Adam Cianciarulo...but a rigorous battle between he and Eli Tomac was set to take place. And after numerous circuits of pursuit (by the Colorado native), "ET3" was able to work his way around...and in the moments that followed, so too would Jason Anderson after the Kawasaki rider generated an "extra gear" per se in the final stages. He was then, established in ninth. But couldn't let off the throttle with Malcolm Stewart not far behind. The resilience of Justin was something that couldn't be questioned, and undoubtedly helped him propel to (and sustain) the ninth overall position as engines ceased in the southern United States for this Mid-March weekend.

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