SAN DIEGO — Report by Race Chaser Online Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — Supercross Live photo —
Monster Energy/AutoTrader.com/Toyota/Yamaha’s Justin Barcia will be sidelined indefinitely from Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, competition due to a thumb injury suffered in the season’s opening race in Anaheim, Calif. on Jan. 9.
Barcia attempted to fight through the pain of what was reported as “a tear of the Ulnar Collateral Ligament” (Skier’s Thumb) in both Anaheim and San Diego, but struggled to sub-par results in both events after experiencing what he called “the worst arm pump of my life.”
The veteran rider made the official announcement regarding his season on his Instagram page Sunday afternoon, explaining that surgery will be required to get himself back to his full riding capability.
“Well unfortunately my season has come to a quick end,” Barcia said. “I injured my hand the week before A1 and will undergo surgery this week. It’s a tough pill to swallow with how hard I worked this year and was ready to be in the mix for race wins. I tried to race but it’s just not realistic with how bad the pain is. Thanks to my team, family, fans and everyone that has stuck behind me. I will be back [as soon as possible].”
JGRMX and Monster Energy/AutoTrader.com/Toyota/Yamaha Team’s substitute rider Phil Nicoletti, who rode in place of the suspended Weston Peick this past weekend in San Diego, will replace Barcia for the foreseeable future.
For more information on Justin Barcia, follow him on Twitter @JustinBarcia or visit his website at www.justinbarcia.com.
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network. Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 21-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for both the United Sprint Car Series and the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: speed77radio@gmail.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: news@racechaseronline.com
Follow RCO on Twitter: @RaceChaserNews
