Barcia got more publicity as an amateur than any other rider he currently lines up against. The GEICO Powersports Honda rider came out swinging at Glen Helen and just about everyone was sure that by now he would have at least a moto win. But instead of winning motos, Justin has been part of the 10-rider grudge match that includes Brett Metcalfe, Tommy Searle, Broc Tickle, Jake Weimer, Blake Wharton, the now-injured Tyla Rattray, and whoever else decides to step it up that particular weekend. Justin was supposed to be the next big thing, and hey, he’s only seven races in, so he still could be, but the point that I want to make is that for the first time in a long time, there may be no “next big thing.” All of these guys are so talented that none are able to stand out above the rest.
Barcia isn’t the only rookie doing big things. Alex Martin finished a career-high 8th place in moto 1, and Kyle Regal finished 6th in moto 2 in the 450 class!
Who else is coming? This year or next you’ll get to meet Eli Tomac, Taylor Futrell, Blake Baggett, Lowell Spangler, Travis Baker, Malcolm Stewart, and a slew of other amateurs who have been living and training for years as if they were already professionals. Loretta Lynn’s is just around the corner and after that it’s time to graduate.
There will be attrition, but in five years all of these guys you’ve never heard of will be foaming at the mouth for a 450 championship. Ryan Villopoto, Mike Alessi, and James Stewart will be in their late twenty-somethings by then, and season after season could be as wild as 2009 has been so far. Add in the usual exports from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and the future of AMA Motocross and Supercross looks good.
