Justin Barcia says he is almost ready to return to racing but is taking it on a week-to-week basis to ensure a competitive return to the track and being able to race at his full potential.
Barcia said: “Missing riding dirt bikes that’s for sure…the right leg I pulled the hamstring off of is pretty good, i can ride like that for sure. The MCL hasn’t been fun, not enjoyable at all, I have done a lot of stuff to make it better, it’s challenging…it’s still pretty darn sore. My goal was to return for Unadilla and it’s taking longer than expected. Right now, It’s a week by week injury, I banged it up a little more than I thought. The goal is to back ASAP, if I want to come back, I want to be top five for sure, podiums and fighting for wins, I do believe I am capable of that.”
🚨INJURY UPDATE🚨
— Pro Motocross (@ProMotocross) August 8, 2024
Justin Barcia says his plan is to return ASAP, but is on a week-to-week basis due to the lingering effects of his injury.#ProMotocross #SMX pic.twitter.com/GircvCtBG9
It’s a similar story for 250 West champ, RJ Hampshire, with the Husky rider also awaiting an imminent return to racing and saying: ““I’m not ready to go racing this weekend but will take it day by day to see if I can be worth something before SMX starts! See you guys soon.”
With Webb and Roczen back this weekend as well as Colt Nichols, Tomac due to be back at Budds Creek and Barcia and Hampshire on the verge of returning the SMX play-offs looks set to be a full strength field – provided the defending champ, Jett Lawrence, is back behind the gate after his thumb injury.
