Justin Barcia Withdrew From SuperMotocross Finale
The veteran racer ended his tenure with Troy Lee Designs Factory Ducati after suffering an ankle injury.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Motorsports
Justin Barcia has withdrawn from the SuperMotocross finale at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena in Ridgedale, Missouri. The decision comes as Barcia concludes his tenure with the Troy Lee Designs Factory Ducati team due to an ankle injury sustained in Los Angeles.
Why it matters
Barcia cited an ongoing ankle injury for his exit, marking a premature end to his season. This departure also coincides with personnel shifts within the team as they look toward the 2027 racing cycle.
Barcia achieved a season-best finish of fifth at the Spring Creek National. His previous performance metrics included an eighth-place finish in Denver and an 11th-place result during his return to competition in Philadelphia in April 2026.
The players
Justin Barcia
A professional motocross racer who has navigated multiple injury-related setbacks throughout his career.
Troy Lee Designs Factory Ducati
A prominent professional racing team that recently saw personnel changes.
RJ Hampshire
A professional racer who is slated to join the team for the 2027 season.
Dylan Ferrandis
A veteran motocross athlete who recently announced his retirement from full-time professional racing.
The details
After sustaining the ankle injury during the first moto at the Los Angeles race, Barcia attempted to ride during the following week before ultimately withdrawing. RJ Hampshire is set to fill the vacant seat for the team beginning in 2027.
Timeline
April 2026: Barcia returned to competition in Philadelphia.
September 2026: Barcia ended his tenure with the team.
2027: RJ Hampshire will begin racing for the team.
Season Trajectory
This withdrawal alters the competitive landscape for the final event of the 2026 SuperMotocross season. It also solidifies the transition period for the team as they finalize their lineup for the upcoming year.
The withdrawal removes a veteran contender from the final grid, impacting the points standings and overall field competitiveness. Fantasy participants and followers of team rosters must now adjust for the team's shift toward RJ Hampshire for the 2027 season.
The takeaway
Injuries remain a defining factor in the endurance of professional motocross riders throughout a long season. Fans and stakeholders should note that such mid-season exits often trigger broader roster reorganization for the following year.
What happens next
RJ Hampshire is scheduled to begin racing for the team at the start of the 2027 season.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional racing, visit Motorsports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
