Barcia has 'some opportunities' amid 2021 speculation

Exclusive MX & SX podcast and articles 👉 http://bit.ly/mx-sx-content

How to get a job in motocross & supercross 👉 http://bit.ly/mxindustryjob

Mastering Motocross Sponsorship course 👉 http://bit.ly/mxsponsorshiplesson

The gear I film with:

My number ONE camera: https://amzn.to/2YUvZH9

My number TWO camera: https://amzn.to/2QI9qky

The BEST lens: https://amzn.to/3lBmoPh

My FAVOURITE camera for onboard footage: https://amzn.to/2QKq9Up

The gear I ride with:

The BEST motocross helmet: https://amzn.to/3lvIlz8

My FAVOURITE motocross goggles: https://amzn.to/32NvMXm

The best VALUE FOR MONEY gear set: https://amzn.to/3gI31QN

The COMFIEST & MOST SUPPORTIVE motocross boots: https://amzn.to/3lB0z29

(Most of the product links are Amazon affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you decide to purchase an item at no cost to you. Thanks for watching and supporting the channel)

Follow me on Instagram for motocross photos | https://www.instagram.com/jeremyhammer/

TikTok | https://vm.tiktok.com/XkQB9S/

Twitter | https://twitter.com/jeremyhammer226

Justin Barcia has declared he’s yet to sign a deal for the 2021 season as speculation mounts on the next direction of his career.

Before the 2020 season even started, there was already a level of expectation set upon Barcia being that it is a contract year for him, and while he started he strong in Supercross, he slipped to fifth in the championship standings.

It’s placed increasing pressure on him to perform during the outdoors series, and so far, he’s been delivering with a race win to his name, alongside a pair of moto podiums following the first three rounds.

Despite recording a DNF at the second Lorettas national, which came as a result of mechanical failure, he’s still very much in the title fight, and he firmly believes he’s got a shot of claiming the championship.

“There’s nothing to really share at this point – all I can do is go out there, go as fast as I can and put myself in the best position to get myself a good ride for next year. I haven’t signed anything – like I said, I’m just trying to focus on this championship – I haven’t felt this good on the bike in a long time, so I just need to focus on the now and worry about the later, later.”

Barcia has been linked to a number of rides next year, including a seat at MotoConcepts Honda and even remaining at Yamaha, although there’s a new manufacturer in the pool for his signature, and it’s firming to be the favourite – which I’ll get to in a moment.

The MotoConcepts rumour seems to be shelved at the moment, while continuing with Yamaha is somewhat complicated for Barcia.

There has been some recent changes in management has meant he’s been able to get his way when it comes bike development, even stating he’s never felt this good on the Yamaha, which gives him good reason to stay.

But this is where it gets complicated – Yamaha has already signed Aaron Plessinger for 2021, and Dylan Ferrandis is almost a certainty to sign with them in the premier class, meaning Barcia is out, or they need to expand to a three rider squad.

And it gets more complicated – there’s talk of Star Racing hosting a 450 rider in 2021, and then there’s also talk of them hosting Yamaha’s entire premier class effort, with the in-house factory team to be shutdown.

Speaking with PulpMX earlier this week, Barcia indicated that up until a month ago, he hadn’t even received any offers, however he revealed some opportunities have presented themselves since the begging of Pro Motocross.

“The last few weeks some opportunities have opened up and it’s definitely sitting back. Honestly for sure right now the main focus is going after this championship.

“I have a shot at it still and I’m going to give it my all and go for that. Whatever works out, the other stuff will work. We’ll see.”

So the manufacturer tipped to get Barcia’s signature is GasGas, who as we all know was recently bought out by KTM and has a factory team in the MXGP World Championship,

where they’re essentially riding red KTMs – it’s the same scenario when they took of Husqvarna a number of years ago.

The brands’ entry to AMA racing is inevitable, and the Red Bull Troy Lee Designs squad is said to be the team that will run the new red bikes in 2021 across both 250 and 450 categories.

Barcia is firming as the favourite to spearhead the company in what will be it’s first ever foray in American motocross and supercross, and the team environment at TLD and the resources of KTM could be the perfect mix for the number 51 to secure his first ever title in the premier class.

Where would you like to see Barcia in 2021? Let me know in the comments below.