Defending East Coast Lites Champion Justin Barcia celebrates victory in Dallas. Image: Simon Cudby.

GEICO Honda’s Justin Barcia says he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his East Coast Lites AMA Supercross title defence following a convincing win in Dallas on Saturday.

Barcia battled rookie teammate Justin Bogle and Darryn Durham throughout the first half of the race before passing them both on lap nine and riding away for the win.

“We had a little battle there for the first several laps,” Barcia said. “I didn’t want to take my teammate out so I played it safe. Once I got around him and got a little space I was able to go after Durham.

“It took a couple of tries but once I got past him I just rode my own race and finished it out. I learned a bunch tonight. I’ll take that and go home a train for Atlanta.

“You couldn’t ask for a better start for this GEICO Honda team. I’m pumped up with this win.”

Barcia has finished on the podium in 10 consecutive Supercross Lites events.