Although Justin Barcia enters the 2013 season as a rookie in the 450 class there is one thing for certain—this remarkable 20-year-old knows what it takes to win, and he’s got multiple championships to prove it. Since his professional debut in 2009, Barcia has continued to shake the motocross world with his intense riding style and sheer passion and determination to win. As laid back a young man as you’re likely to meet off the track, Barcia’s on-track persona is the polar opposite. If he’s on the racetrack, it’s going to be exciting.
“I am aggressive and have an exciting riding style, so I am hoping to bring more excitement to the 450 class,” Barcia says. “Fans can expect to see a little Bam Bam [his nickname] out on the track, ready to win races and contend for the title.”
During his first professional motocross season, Barcia made an impressive showing, finishing fifth overall with eight podium appearances. In the 2011 AMA Supercross season, he appeared on the podium at every round of the nine-race series and was able to clinch his first Lites East Championship. During the 2011 outdoor motocross season, Barcia jumped at the opportunity to ride the last four rounds aboard a factory CRF450R, filling in for an injured rider. He quickly showed he could run up front by taking third overall at both the Unadilla and Pala Nationals, and grabbing a moto win at the Southwick National.
For 2012, Barcia stepped up his game by hiring Jeff Stanton to train him. With six national championships and a world championship to his credit—all while racing for Honda—Stanton was known for his intense work ethic and preparation, and amazing physical and mental toughness. It was exactly what Barcia needed to get to the next level. Even lining up against the veterans of the 450 class didn’t faze Barcia, who immediately proved to be the aggressor in a field of riders with far more 450 experience than himself. “I don’t get intimidated because I am prepared,” said Barcia. “I know I have what it takes to win and I work hard. After working with Jeff Stanton I have learned that hard work really pays off and I plan to continue this work ethic into my 450 career.”
In 2012, Barcia was nearly untouchable. He maintained his points lead throughout the entire Supercross Lites East season, winning six races, including Arlington, Atlanta, St. Louis, Daytona, Toronto and lastly Las Vegas where he also won the East/West Shootout. He capped the season off by lining up against the best 450 riders in the world at the Monster Energy Cup, and came away the big winner, pocketing $100,000.
“Monster Energy Cup was my debut ride with Team Honda Muscle Milk and it was a great way to get my feet wet in the premier class and learn the bike better, so to come away with the win was huge. I got to race against some of the guys that I will be racing with all year, so it was an awesome preview to see what we need to work on more for 2013.”
Barcia has been a part of the Honda family since his early amateur career, riding Honda’s CR85R and then CRF150R before stepping up to the CRF250R as he rose through the amateur ranks. He credits much of his blistering speed to racing a bike he feels good on. Having raced Hondas his entire career, he enters 2013 ready to race the all-new factory CRF450R, and he is delighted to be a member of Team Honda Muscle Milk.
“It is really an awesome feeling for me to be a part of Team Honda Muscle Milk,” said Barcia. “It is something I have dreamed of since being an amateur. I’ve been riding and winning on Hondas for years because it’s the bike I feel best on, so I’m excited to continue my career with Honda aboard the CRF450R.
“In 2013, I am looking forward to new tracks and new competition. I have only ever raced the East Coast tracks, so it will be exciting to head to the West Coast and do the whole circuit. I have also been racing the same guys for the last couple years, so being able to race a whole new lineup of guys is going to be awesome.”
Blazing speed, discipline, preparation, desire—Justin Barcia has that rare combination that propels the great ones to the top.