Troy Lee Designs/Red Bull/GASGAS Factory Racing Team's Pierce Brown opened his 250SX East campaign with a fifth-place finish at the region's season-opener in Detroit, as 450SX Class racer Justin Barcia raced to a P12 result at Round 5 of the AMA Supercross Championship.
Barcia arrived in Detroit onboard his GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition, dialing his machine in throughout qualifying before capturing third place in his Heat Race.
The Main Event would mark a more challenging outing for Bam Bam, who was buried off the start as the gates dropped. On a rutty, one-lined circuit, the number 51 did what he could to mount a comeback, which resulted in 12th place on the night.
Justin Barcia: “Struggled a little bit in practice to find a flow today... the track was super-technical with the ruts. I had a really good Heat Race, it was nice to get the fresh track as the first race of the program, so that was cool. Charged up to third in the Heat, then made a little change heading into the Main Event, and unfortunately it was the wrong direction as I was pretty uncomfortable. Not so good result, but we’re determined to work hard and come out swinging in Arizona!”
In his first appearance of 2024, Brown showcased speed immediately as the 250SX East Class opened in Detroit, taking his GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition to pole position in qualifying and demonstrating the work having been done throughout the pre-season.
Converting his speed to third position in his Heat Race, a mid-pack start for Brown and being caught up in a multi-rider incident to commence the Main Event saw him playing catch up as he sliced his way through the field, capturing a strong fifth place result by race's end.
Pierce Brown: “Round 1 for us is over and done with, I got the nerves out of the way which feels good. Overall, not a bad day, I got away lucky especially with what happened at the start of the Main… that was hectic! Salvaged a fifth, which isn’t too bad, and we’re in a good spot for the upcoming races, so I’m excited to put some work in and come out swinging at Round 2.”
Results – 2024 AMA Supercross Championship, Round 5
450SX Results – Detroit SX
1. Jett Lawrence (Honda)
2. Chase Sexton (KTM)
3. Ken Roczen (Suzuki)
12. Justin Barcia (GASGAS)
450SX Championship Standings (After Round 5)
1. Chase Sexton (KTM) 98pts
2. Jett Lawrence (Honda) 97pts
3. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 96pts
9. Justin Barcia (GASGAS) 59pts
12. Jorge Prado (GASGAS) 45pts
250SX East Results – Detroit
1. Austin Forkner (Kawasaki)
2. Max Anstie (Honda)
3. Daxton Bennick (Yamaha)
5. Pierce Brown (GASGAS)
250SX East Championship Standings (After Round 1)
1. Austin Forkner (Kawasaki) 25pts
2. Max Anstie (Honda) 22pts
3. Daxton Bennick (Yamaha) 20pts
5. Pierce Brown (GASGAS) 16pts