Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team’s Justin Barcia grabbed a season-best finish of sixth overall at the Northeast stop of the Pro Motocross Series at The Wick 338 in Southwick, Massachusetts. Barcia continued his streak of top 10 finishes with a 6-6 moto score. Dean Ferris rode solidly all day and earned eighth overall. The incredibly rough track was a tough one for Aaron Plessinger to make his 450 Class Pro Motocross debut, but he kept his head down and finished the day in the points with an 18-16 moto score for 17th overall.
The notorious sand track in Southwick gave riders a test of endurance as the circuit quickly deteriorated. Barcia didn’t get the start he wanted in the opening moto and was forced to come through from outside the top 30. He demonstrated some impressive pace, making it all the way up to sixth by lap 10 and came within two seconds of fifth but ran out of time. His start in the second moto was much better and he was running seventh for much of the race before moving into sixth again on lap 10, earning him a sixth place overall.
Still learning the unique circuits in the States, Ferris didn’t let the rough track intimidate him. The multi-time Australian Motocross Champion started outisd the top 20 but managed to push his way into the top 10, and pushed hard until the end to finish eighth. He managed a similar start in moto two from 14th but a mistake on lap two pushed him all the way down to 36th. Ferris didn’t relent and came all the way back to 12th by the end of the moto, placing him eighth overall.
After months of healing and regaining his strength to race, Plessinger lined up for this first Pro Motocross in the 450 Class. He knew it would be a challenge, but was ready to get back on the track. Plessinger would quickly find out how much determination he truly had after starting 30th in moto one, but would come back to finish the race in 18th. The start in the second moto was a little better from 24th and he was able to move up the leaderboard a bit more to 16th for an overall finish of 17th.
The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team will lineup at RedBud MX in Buchanan, Michigan on July 6.
Justin Barcia
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing
“In moto one, on the start I clicked neutral and pretty much came from outside the top 30 to sixth. I felt like I rode well but not one of those races I’m really thrilled with. The second moto I just missed my gear and had a bad start. Just one of those days and we’ll keep plugging along. Red Bud is a good track for me and I’m looking forward to next weekend.”
Dean Ferris
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing
“I had a terrible start in moto one and had put in a really big fight. I am quite happy with the moto and wasn’t too far behind some really big guys. In moto two, i ended up going down and it was really physically demanding. I’m glad it’s over and we can focus on the next race.”
Aaron Plessinger
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing
“I learned a lot today. I knew I had to start somewhere and now I know what I need to go home and work on. My starts need help and keeping up the intensity throughout the moto were big ones for me today. Once I get that, I should be able to turn out some good results. I know there will probably not be another race as gnarly as this so I’m looking forward to progressing.”
2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 450 Class The Wick 338 Results
1. Marvin Musquin (1-2)
2. Zach Osborne (3-1)
3. Eli Tomac (2-3)
4. Cooper Webb (4-4)
5. Jason Anderson (7-5)
6. Justin Barcia (6-6)
7. Fredrik Noren (5-7)
8. Dean Ferris (8-12)
9. Ken Roczen (12-10)
10. John Short (15-9)
17. Aaron Plessinger (18-16)
2019 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship 450 Class Standings
1. Eli Tomac 257
2. Marvin Musquin 231
3. Ken Roczen 229
4. Zach Osborne 227
5. Jason Anderson 212
6. Cooper Webb 202
7. Justin Barcia 159
8. Dean Ferris 136
9. Blake Baggett 131
10. Justin Bogle 117
Jim Perry
Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager