News 18 Feb 2019

Arlington a 'crazy day' of racing declares Barcia

Heat race clash results in disqualification of Bowers.

Image: Supplied.

Justin Barcia says Arlington’s seventh round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross was a ‘crazy day’ of racing after he was forced to transfer to main event via the LCQ.

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Rider was taken down Tyler Bowers (Kawasaki) in the second 450SX heat race of the night, resulting in the pair both being sent the LCQ.

Bowers’ pass, which has been linked to retaliation for an incident between the pair in Las Vegas last year, prompted officials to disqualify the Kawasaki rider for ‘overly aggressive riding’, pulling him from the line of the last chance qualifier.

Barcia was able to overcome the altercation, winning the LCQ before going onto finish seventh in the 25-lap encounter, positioning him sixth in the standings.

“Crazy day of racing for me for sure,” Barcia admitted. “I felt good, the bike was working well. I had a pretty good practice, was right in the times, but in the heat race, didn’t get off to a good start. I was working my way through the pack and got taken out.

“In the main event, I was on the far outside and got a really good jump off the gate. I was right in it, but I was just so far outside I got pushed out and went into the hay bales and started last. I went from last to seventh.

“I was riding well, but again wasn’t able to make things happen that I needed to happen. I need to get a better start and put myself in front of the pack where I belong. We’re moving on from this weekend and will get ready for Detroit.”

The main was ultimately won by new points leader Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing), who made a pass on Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) in the final turn to secure victory by 0.028s.

Recent