PALA, Calif. – As the penultimate pair of motos for the 2021 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship lines up for today, three riders will miss the 11th race of the season.
Justin Barcia is out after a practice crash a few weeks ago. Earlier, he was listed as questionable but as the field took the track for qualifying, he will miss his fourth consecutive race.
“Disappointed to be missing the race this weekend,” said the GasGas factory rider after the Washougal Nationals. “It’s been an awesome season of racing but stuff happens. Going to get 100 percent healthy and come back swinging soon. Thank you for everyone’s support. I appreciate it. Good luck to my entire Troy Lee Designs crew. I will miss you guys!”
Marvin Musquin missed last week’s Ironman National after a positive COVID test, according to KTM Motorsport Director Roger De Coster. It was statistically his best track in recent years, with two wins in the last two seasons. Coming to Southern California, it was a close call with the quarantining regulations from the CDC. The French rider looks to return at the season finale at Hangtown.
Musquin and Barcia sit sixth and seventh in the point standings before the motos take place at Fox Raceway, but Chase Sexton will miss Saturday’s races from fourth place in points. Late Friday, he announced on social media that he has an enlarged spleen.
Unfortunately I will not be lining up tomorrow for Round 11 of Pro Motocross,” Sexton shared on Instagram. “After tests and an ultrasound this week, I have found that I have an enlarged spleen and that it wouldn’t be safe to race with it. I’m gutted not to be able to race and see all you California fans. Further updates will be coming soon. Thank you for the support.”
The 2021 Pro Motocross season has been one of endurance and survival. These three join a long list of competitors who are listed out, including Adam Cianciarulo from his surgery, Aaron Plessinger from his hard crash at Unadilla, and last year’s champion Zach Osborne with his back injury.
On the good side of the injury updates, Christian Craig will return to race on Saturday at Fox. He crashed hard at Budds Creek, attempted the second moto, but sat out at Ironman. He confirmed earlier this week on social media. Also, Frederik Norin will race at Fox after a broken hand before Washougal.
The list is equally long when looking at the 250 class. Jeremy Martin rode much of the season with a fractured wrist, but after a hard crash at Ironman, his wrist is now broken fully and will miss the rest of the season. Colt Nichols is also recovering from a crash at Washougal. Seth Hammaker, Pierce Brown, and Cameron McAdoo are just a few to name those injured from the 250 division.