Yamaha Factory Racing Team Makes Positive Strides in Daytona

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team Makes Positive Strides in Daytona

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team’s Justin Barcia and Aaron Plessinger put in a good fight in tough conditions at the 50th running of the Daytona Supercross, crossing the line fifth and sixth, respectively.

The iconic Daytona International Speedway is not just known for its high banks. In the world of Monster Energy AMA Supercross racing, it’s famous infield in front of the grandstand has been home to the toughest race on the series’ calendar and this year was no exception. The night got off to a good start with Plessinger taking the holeshot in the Heat race and Barcia right behind him in second. The 2018 250SX West Champion was able to hold on to the lead for a couple of laps, but ultimately finished second with his veteran teammate right behind in third.

In the Main Event, the duo got off to another good start with Plessinger in third and Barcia in tow. The pair got shuffled back a few positions and found themselves battling for fifth. With two laps remaining, Barcia found the advantage after the split lane and passed his teammate to take his eighth top-five finish this season. Although he had higher expectations, the improvements made on his starts was a big positive to take away from Daytona. It was also another step forward for Plessinger, who once again topped his best result of 2020 finishing sixth.

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team look to keep the momentum rolling into next weekend at Round 11 of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, March 14.

Jim Perry – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager

“Daytona is always a grueling event, so in the grand scheme of things we had a good performance for both guys throughout the day. The Heat race went well. Our starts definitely improved in the Heat race and also the Main Event. They both fought hard for the whole Main Event, but were unable to pull off the win tonight. We’ll get back to work next week and keep making forward progress.”

Justin Barcia – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

“I felt like I should have had a stronger result, but there were some positives to take from tonight. My starts were much better, so that was a good thing. We just struggled with setup all day. We were trying to adapt to the track and find that happy place, I just never found it. I rode well in my Heat race. The track was pretty smooth, but in the Main Event the track roughened up and I was just a little bit uncomfortable. Aaron and I battled for a while. It was a fun race, but I expected a lot more of myself. I felt like I should have had a better result, but we have to take the positives. I had good starts and qualified pretty well today, which was something that has hurt us. So we’re going to take the positives moving into next weekend at Indy and get back on top.”

Aaron Plessinger – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team

“The night was great. I got off to a really great start in the Heat race. I held Kenny (Roczen) off for a couple laps, but he got by me. Then Barcia and I were going at it for a little bit but I was able to hold him off and finish second. I got off to another great start in the Main, but then a few guys got by me. I held the pace for a little bit, but it was gnarly out there! It was rough, rutted, and sandy. I almost fell down a couple times and got head shake a couple times as well. It definitely holds up to its name of being the toughest supercross race. Barcia got me with a few laps to go and I finished sixth. We’re making strides towards the front. I finished up eighth two weeks ago, seventh last weekend, and now sixth. I’m just plugging away. The bike’s coming together really nice. I think before we know it we’ll be up on the podium.”