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78 GRITMOTO • JULY.5.16
JUSTIN BARCIA
Former two time 250 Monster Energy AMA East Coast Supercross Champion Justin Barcia was poised to make his presence known in the 450 class when he made the switch in 2013. Since making the move to the 450 class full time Justin has won races but has failed to pull it together for a full season, and yet to win a championship. In 2009 Justin turned professional after a stellar amateur career and came out swinging at
his first race at Glen Helen, leading the majority of the race and showing the com- petition he was ready for the professional ranks. Barcia finished 5th overall his rookie motocross season and was declared rookie of the year. 2010 marked Justins first year racing supercross and boy
did the Geico Honda rider impress, finishing second overall in the series. The next year he captured his first title and went on to defend his thrown in 2012. Honda was impressed with the 250 riders performance and granted him a ride on the Honda Muscle Milk Factory team aboard a 450 machine. A good rookie season in the 450 class left Barcia with high expectations going into 2014, unfortunately it was an up and down year for Justin and his contract was up. JGR Yamaha was quick to nab up the phenom and have him signed through the 2018 season. The 24 year old had some solid finishes outdoors, including some wins in 2015 but has yet to show his po- tential thus far in 2016. Keep grinding Justin.
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