Image: Supplied.

Monster Energy Knich Yamaha’s Justin Barcia was unable to start in the Arlington, Texas, main event after suffering a broken hand on the opening lap of his heat race, forcing him out for the night altogether.

Barcia was unable to clear the triple while leading heat one of 450SX, clipped by Tyler Bowers – the Kawasaki privateer fully committed to the jump – and causing the damaging injury. He’s scheduled to undergo surgery today.

“Small setback,” Barcia stated on social media. “Will have surgery tomorrow and be back at it in no time. Luckily it’s just my hand and I can still keep my fitness up off the bike! Thanks to all my fans and great sponsors.”

Barcia has been one of the clear standouts in 2018 after securing a deal in place of Davi Millsaps aboard the factory YZ450F, picking up three podiums in six rounds prior to being injured on the weekend. He’s now sixth in the standings as a result.

It was once again another tough round in terms of injuries that have been a serious storyline of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season so far, with Josh Grant (Monster Energy Kawasaki) also ruled out after reportedly breaking his lower right leg during timed qualifying.