The next stop on the 2018 AMA Pro Motocross schedule lands in Blountville, Tennessee this Saturday, June 23, for Round 5 at the southeastern-favorite Muddy Creek Raceway.
Last round, Justin Barcia matched his best overall finish of the season with third, where he carries good momentum and a top-three standing in the 450MX Championship into the weekend. With a solid conditioning program at his home base in Florida, Barcia feels confident in taking on the hot and humid conditions that could arise in Tennessee.
His teammate, Alex Ray, looks forward to lining up in front of a familiar crowd on Saturday as he pilots the Factory Yamaha at his “home race” for the first time ever. Last round, Ray earned a career-best finish of 12th overall and for this weekend, the Tennessee native looks to build with a pair of consistent moto finishes at Muddy Creek.
Justin Barcia, 450MX #51
“I’m looking forward to Muddy Creek, I’ve had good luck there in the past and I think the short uphill start really suits the Yamaha with our good power and works in our favor. I’m happy with the whole team, we’ve been working really well together and trying to make the bike as comfortable as it can be. Last weekend was definitely a step in the right direction with getting back on the podium but I’m definitely wanting more. I’ve been working on things to improve and I want to get a win, it’s driving me crazy! This weekend, the goal is to have good qualifying times, get up there on the box and go after a moto win or overall.”
Alex Ray, 450MX #91
“Tennessee is my home state and to be on a factory team for my home race in front of my friends and family is a dream come true! I’ve got one shot for a top ten, I know I have the tools, I just need to put it all together!”
MEET JUSTIN BARCIA AND ALEX RAY FRIDAY NIGHT AT ATLAS YAMAHA
Friday night, from 6-7 p.m., stop by Atlas Yamaha at 2377 Lee Highway in Bristol, Virginia where Justin Barcia and Alex Ray will be on hand to meet fans, sign autographs and give away posters.
Other Yamaha bLU cRU riders who will be at Atlas Yamaha include:
- Monster Energy/Yamalube/Star/Yamaha Racing’s Aaron Plessinger, Justin Cooper, Colt Nichols and Dylan Ferrandis
- CycleTrader/Rock River/Yamaha’s Brandon Hartranft and Hayden Mellross
MEET JUSTIN BARCIA AND ALEX RAY AT THE RACE TRANSPORTER DURING SATURDAY’S AUTOGRAPH SESSION
Stop by the Monster Energy/Yamaha Factory Racing team transporter on Saturday from 11:20 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (time subject to change due to scheduling). Justin and Alex will be there to meet fans and sign autographs.
