The End of an Era: Justin Barcia and GasGas Part Ways After 5 Unforgettable Years – But where will "BAMBAM" land next, and what does this mean for the future of the sport?
October 17, 2025, Anaheim, CA – In a move that's sending ripples through the motocross world, GasGas has officially announced the departure of Justin Barcia after a remarkable five-year partnership. This news follows the typical end-of-season announcements, but it's hard to ignore the significant impact Barcia, affectionately known as "BAMBAM," had on the GasGas brand.
According to sources close to the situation, Barcia is heavily rumored to be joining the Troy Lee Designs Ducati Corse team. An official announcement is expected in the coming weeks. This move could represent a major shift in the Supercross landscape, with Ducati making a serious push into the sport. But here's where it gets controversial... some fans question whether Barcia's aggressive riding style will mesh well with Ducati's engineering-focused approach. What do you think?
Let's take a look back at the highlights of Barcia's time with GasGas, as outlined in their official press release:
GASGAS FACTORY RACING THANKS JUSTIN BARCIA FOR HISTORIC FIVE YEARS TOGETHER
AMERICAN SUPERSTAR 'BAMBAM' PLAYS A PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE BRAND'S RACING HISTORY!
Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing expressed their gratitude to Justin Barcia after an incredible five years competing in both the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships. These years were marked by significant milestones, including the brand's first-ever 450SX Main Event victory and their first 450MX overall win.
- Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing extends their thanks to Justin Barcia.
- The partnership is celebrated as a "RED-hot" five years!
- BAMBAM secured GasGas's first AMA 450SX and 450MX victories.
Barcia's journey with GasGas began in the 2021 AMA Supercross season, piloting the GASGAS MC 450F. In an astonishing debut, he clinched victory in their very first 450SX Main Event in Houston! This historic win marked the inaugural Supercross Main Event victory for the GasGas brand. To put this into perspective, imagine starting a new job and immediately exceeding all expectations – that's the kind of impact Barcia had right from the start.
That year, BAMBAM added three more podium finishes to his tally and finished fourth overall in the 450SX standings. He then went on to secure GasGas's first Pro Motocross victory at the Spring Creek National, achieving a dominant 1-2 moto finish. This win wasn't just luck; it demonstrated Barcia's versatility and the bike's potential across different racing disciplines.
Over the subsequent four seasons, Barcia continued to deliver impressive results, consistently earning podium finishes in both Supercross and Pro Motocross. In 2023, he secured another 450SX Main Event victory at East Rutherford aboard the GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition model, showcasing the continuous development and refinement of the bike. And this is the part most people miss... Barcia's feedback and input undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the Factory Edition model and improving its performance.
Barcia's consistent performance helped solidify GasGas's presence in North American racing, finishing fifth overall in both the 2022 and 2023 AMA Supercross Championships. In 2025, competing with Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing, BAMBAM finished 10th overall in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) season. Getting 10th overall in such a competitive series is nothing to scoff at, proving Barcia's consistent performance even in the most challenging conditions.
Known for his captivating personality and aggressive riding style, the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team expressed their appreciation for the 33-year-old from Monroe, New York, acknowledging his unwavering dedication to racing and wishing him the best in his future endeavors. Barcia's charisma extended beyond the track, making him a fan favorite and a valuable asset to the GasGas brand.
Justin Barcia's Key Results with GasGas:
| Position | Race Class | Date | Bike |
| :------- | :--------- | :------------- | :------------------------- |
| 3 | Supercross | San Diego (2024) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 1 | Supercross | East Rutherford (2023) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 2 | Supercross | Atlanta (2023) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Glendale (2023) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Seattle (2023) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 2 | Supercross | Indianapolis (2023) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | San Diego (2023) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Motocross | RedBud (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Salt Lake City (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 2 | Supercross | Indy (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Detroit (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Anaheim 3 (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Oakland (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Anaheim 1 (2022) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 1 | Motocross | Spring Creek (2021) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Motocross | Southwick (2021) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 2 | Supercross | Arlington 1 (2021) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 3 | Supercross | Orlando 2 (2021) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 2 | Supercross | Indianapolis 2 (2021) | GasGas MC 450F |
| 1 | Supercross | Houston 1 (2021) | GasGas MC 450F |
(Full Results Available Here)
So, what's your take on this news? Do you think Barcia's move to Ducati will be a successful one? Will GasGas be able to maintain their momentum without him? And, perhaps most importantly, what kind of legacy has Barcia left on the GasGas brand? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
