Image: Align Media.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing rider Justin Barcia’s return to competition has been delayed by one more week following a crash on Friday in Charlotte’s first SMX playoff round.

Barcia has been sidelined since the Southwick round of Pro Motocross with ligament and tendon damage across both knees, opting to line up at ZMax Dragway.

A heavy impact during practice yesterday saw him avoid any major injuries, but he has opted to sit out this weekend and will instead focus on Texas Motor Speedway’s second race of the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) post-season in Fort Worth.

“A crash in SMX Playoff 1 practice yesterday has sidelined Justin Barcia today in Charlotte,” a social media post released by GasGas North America confirmed. “The Troy Lee Designs Red Bull GasGas Factory Racing rider will play it safe and delay his racing return for one more week – see you back on track in Texas, Bam!”