JUSTIN BARCIA

New York’s Justin Barcia, would once again prove, that he remained a top-tier contender in this division. The veteran had seen it all at this point, and year after year, was aiming for the highest of feats for the premier division in all of two-wheel(ed) racing. His speed, once spotted attacking the racetrack in Colorado, was next level — and he appeared to acclimate to the “less-rutted” track with enthusiasm, where he could carve and sway from side to side seemingly without any regard for extensive/substantial grooves on the racing surface. This set the stage for the opening moto, where Barcia occupied the runner-up position and would hold it through the fourth circuit. However on lap five, both Hunter Lawrence and Jason Anderson would work their way around. Not long thereafter, would both, Chase Sexton and Jett Lawrence (as well) surpass the New York native...forcing him to descend within the running order, though his pace remained prominent. Roosting through the largest of outside berms he could find, there was no shortage of eoverrevving as he attacked the raceway with the utmost aggression. He and Anderson appeared to be on a similar pace...through lap twelve that is, until Barcia would take advantage of the crash that occurred to the Kawasaki rider. Now fourth, it was Justin Cooper who was in the foreground...but the veteran New Yorker, couldn’t overtake the fellow competitor from the Northeast — equating to fourth in the moto standings, which was commendable for the long-time standout, as he exited the raceway. For the second round, “JB’s” initial standing of sixth was one to note, and he would inherit a further position on the leaderboard as Chase Sexton would crash, just before the finish line on the fourth lap of competition. He defended the former SX champion for as long as possible, but would use a bit of energy, resulting in a slight deterring of pace and the opportunity for Dylan Ferrandis and Chase to both pass by — which sent him to seventh. Racing with intensity, however, even as the latter stages of the moto would pass, enabled him to overtake the aforementioned Ferrandis when entering into areas close to the checkered flag. He (Barcia) seemed destined for a final standing of sixth, and would reside here when passing the mechanic’s area on lap sixteen, as well as when crossing over the final jump on the circuit...which equated to fourth overall, in a brilliant summary of performances!