Slaw Dog
This has been known for some time, but it’s now official: GasGas has signed Justin Barcia for its first season in the U.S.
The Spanish brand, which is now under the KTM umbrella, will be run by the Troy Lee Designs team.
Barcia is a major signing for the brand but at one point this deal was on the ropes before an unofficial trade between TLD and Star Racing Yamaha, with Barcia going to TLD and Nate Thrasher going to Star.
Pierce Brown will remain with the team, with Michael Mosiman, who has spent his entire pro career with Rockstar Energy Husqvarna, moving over to complete the 250 squad.
Roger De Coster – Director of Motorsports in North America:“Appointing Troy Lee Designs as the official GASGAS Factory Racing team for supercross and motocross not only further strengthens our longstanding partnership with Troy and his team, it also starts an important new chapter for TLD in the 450 class and for GASGAS in America, which is a hugely important step for GASGAS Motorcycles. As an energetic, new brand we’re excited to establish the MC 450F and MC 250F when we get back to racing and the start of the 2021 supercross series. We look forward to providing the technical support and guidance needed to allow Justin, Pierce and Michael to perform at their very best in 2021 and wish everyone at Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing all the best for the new season ahead.”
Troy Lee – President Troy Lee Designs:“This is a dream come true. To be partnering with GASGAS Motorcycles is an incredible opportunity for our team, running a factory 450 race effort is something I have always dreamed about. Troy Lee Designs and GASGAS share a lot of the same values, it’s all about having fun, enjoying it all and turning up with energy and commitment! To be the official GASGAS supercross and motocross team in the States is very special, we’re really excited in playing our part in helping to establish the brand. We’re ecstatic to go racing with our world-class athletes, on what has become one of the most hyped new teams in some time.”
Main image: GasGas
