GASGAS THANKS SAM SUNDERLAND AS RALLY-RAID STAR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Thank you, Sam! It’s a bittersweet moment for GASGAS as we announce that our rally hero Sam Sunderland has decided to hang up his boots and retire from professional motorcycle racing. Sam’s journey with GASGAS and the company has been super successful, and we’re beyond proud of everything he has achieved with the team.

  • Sunderland to retire from professional motorcycle racing
  • Sam’s outstanding career included two world championships and two Dakar wins
  • Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing wish Sam all the best for the future

Joining Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2022 season, Sam kicked off his stint on the RX 450F with a bang by claiming victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally – the first ever win for GASGAS at the world’s toughest rally-raid. And that was just the beginning! Sam kept the momentum going with stellar performances at each FIM World Rally-Raid Championship round in 2022, ultimately clinching his second world championship title. What a year!

Sam first joined the company back in 2014, and during his time racing for the team he secured no less than two world championships and two Dakar victories, not to mention multiple stage and event wins along the way. Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing couldn’t be more grateful for Sam’s passion, dedication, and sheer awesomeness he brought to every race. Sam will continue working with the team, using his vast experience in a support and development role. Thank you for everything, Sam, we’re already looking forward to working closely together again in the future!

Sam Sunderland: “It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness, but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing after having a career that I dreamed of once upon a time. From winning two world championships to my two Dakar victories, it’s been an incredible run. I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of this chapter and I’m looking forward to staying close to the team and playing a part in supporting their race efforts in the future.”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam for his time with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. I speak for the whole team when I say we’re sad to hear that Sam is retiring from racing, but we completely respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for us over the years. Beyond being a phenomenal racer, Sam is a fantastic person – always supportive, motivating, and a true team player. He is a huge part of the GASGAS family, and we look forward to working with him again in new and exciting ways in the future.”

Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director: “Sam joined the company back in 2014, and since then his passion, dedication, and results have been exceptional. He not only secured two world championships and two Dakar victories, but he played a massive part in the successes of the whole team. Over the years, our relationship with Sam became stronger and stronger, and with his move to Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in 2022, he continued to make history. While it’s tough to see Sam go, we respect his decision. I’d like to personally thank Sam for everything he put into the team and wish him well for the future.”

FOURTH IN INDIANAPOLIS A SEASON-BEST 450SX FINISH FOR JUSTIN BARCIA

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Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia charged to a season-best fourth-place finish at Round 9 of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship in Indianapolis, piecing together a strong result after producing front-running speed throughout the event. Justin Barcia scores season-best fourth place finish in Indy Front-running pace on show from BAMBAM across all sessions! Special livery worn in support of 'Love Moto Stop Cancer' round In the 450SX qualifying sessions, Barcia set the 10th-fastest time equipped with the GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition, effectively building an understanding of the rutted and tricky Indianapolis terrain. A mid-field start in the Heat Race saw BAMBAM steadily make his way through the pack, making a series of decisive passes that would earn the number 51 a commendable second place score by race's end. In the premier class Main Event, Barcia launched to his first holeshot of the season, battling up front as the gates dropped. Remaining strong and fast on a track that proved ultra-challenging by the closing stages of the race, the New York native came home in an inspired fourth position, continuing his mid-season trend in the right direction. As a result, he retains seventh in the 450SX standings. Justin Barcia: "We’ve been grinding down at the Baker’s Factory and I have a new baby now, so it’s been a lot, for sure! I can’t thank my whole Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing Team enough, it's been challenging at times, but they keep believing in me – I have grit and heart, so this was a big step tonight. I wanted that podium, but we’ve got a weekend off, so we’ll grit our teeth and work hard. We tried a few things on the bike at Daytona and went the wrong way, but today we went back to our base and changed barely anything, so that’s where we need to stay at. It’s more about me riding hard with the boys during the week now, they’re great riders and it’s really elevating me, so I'm excited for what's to come!” Next Race: March 22 – Birmingham, Alabama Results 450SX Class – Indianapolis 1. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) 2. Justin Cooper (Yamaha) 3. Chase Sexton (KTM) 4. Justin Barcia (Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing) 5. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 6. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 9 of 17 rounds 1. Cooper Webb, 193 points 2. Chase Sexton, 178 3. Ken Roczen, 167 5. Malcolm Stewart, 140 7. Justin Barcia, 129 8. Justin Hill, 114 9. Aaron Plessinger, 105

ROCKSTAR ENERGY GASGAS FACTORY RACING'S JUSTIN BARCIA CHARGES HARD IN DAYTONA

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Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing rider Justin Barcia charged to a 10th-place finish at Round 8 of the 2025 AMA Supercross Championship in Daytona, Florida, on Saturday night, putting together a consistent performance in one of the toughest races of the year. Top 10 form continues for Justin Barcia at Daytona BAMBAM aiming for more through the mid-stages of Supercross Currently positioned seventh in 450SX standings In the 450SX qualifying sessions this afternoon, Barcia set the ninth-fastest lap-time onboard his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition, with the Daytona track layout a mixture of loamy, motocross-style elements among ultra-technical Supercross obstacles at the famed speedway. The number 51 got off to a strong start in his Heat Race, before being caught up in an incident through the opening rhythm lane and going down. Remounting at the rear of the field, Barcia clawed his way into eighth, earning a direct transfer to the Main Event. On a deteriorating circuit, Barcia maintained consistency throughout the Main Event despite a mid-pack start, with a 10th place finish the final result for the Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing rider. It marked his seventh top 10 score in eight rounds, currently sitting P7 in the standings. Justin Barcia: "Daytona is always tough, no matter where you finish. I wasn’t able to find comfort today, we were searching a little bit, which is a bit frustrating given I rode super-good last weekend. Daytona is a different beast altogether, so I am keen to get back indoors, get to Indy, and put the bike back up front.” Next Race: March 8 – Indianapolis, Indiana Results 450SX Class – Daytona 1. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 2. Cooper Webb (Yamaha) 3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 5. Chase Sexton (KTM) 6. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) 10. Justin Barcia (Rocstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 8 of 17 rounds 1. Cooper Webb, 168 points 2. Chase Sexton, 158 3. Ken Roczen, 152 5. Malcolm Stewart, 124 7. Justin Barcia, 111 9. Aaron Plessinger, 88