Image: Octopi Media.

Following increased speculation surrounding Justin Barcia’s Team USA Motocross of Nations (MXoN) selection in MX2, the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing rider has pulled himself out of contention to represent in the category at RedBud.

Barcia had initially declared he would step down to a 250F for the event if required, and rode one recently at Glen Helen.

It was understood that he and Christian Craig were key candidates in contention to represent in the class. However, the number 51 revealed in a recent announcement that he didn’t feel he would be able to dedicate enough time to prepare adequately on a 250, ahead of the 2022 MXoN taking place on 24-25 September.

“I bleed USA,” Barcia shared. “I’m always honored to represent Team USA at the MXoN. Unfortunately, I have pulled myself out of the running to represent on a 250 this year. I rode the bike a week ago and told the crew the bike and myself could bring it home for USA, but after a ton of debating I don’t believe it would be fair to the team when I’m not able to 100 percent prepare on a 250 right now.

“After Washougal, I flew back to California to work with my TLD Red Bull GasGas team on my 450. I haven’t gotten to a spot this year where I feel I’m riding to my full potential so I have to keep giving my 450 season all my attention which won’t allow me to dedicate enough time to prepare for a 250 MXoN run. I’m very thankful for this opportunity, I wish team USA the best of luck and look forward to another opportunity next season.”

With the highest place American in the 250MX standings being Justin Cooper, in P4, select 450 riders put their hand up to step down to MX2 including Barcia, and 250SX West champion Craig. Jason Anderson also joined the list, however, the potential of him riding a 250 at RedBud has seemed to severely lose traction in recent weeks.

To Coopers’ credit, he scored a season-first moto victory at Washougal and continues to build form from a foot injury that sidelined him from this year’s 250SX altogether. However, it could be a case of too little too late for the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider.

Barcia is seventh in the 450MX standings entering the final four rounds of 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, with his strongest result in this year’s series to date coming during moto two at RedBud in P3.