Barcia Cashes in on $100,000 for Monster Energy Cup Win

AMA SX: Monster Energy Cup Results

AMA Press Release:

Justin Barcia, of Greenville, Fla., won the second-annual Monster Energy Cup tonight at Sam Boyd Stadium and earned $100,000 for his efforts.

Josh Grant, of Corona, Calif., opened the Monster Energy Cup’s first Main Event with the hole-shot Award with Ryan Dungey, of Belle Plaine, Minn., and Ryan Villopoto, of Poulsbo, Wash., following in second and third, respectively. Villopoto quickly worked his way into the lead on Lap 2 and Dungey assumed second place. A mechanical problem hindered Dungey’s charge to the front of the pack, and he salvaged a third-place finish. In his first premier class race, Barcia finished in second place and Villopoto cruised to the win.

Villopoto backed up his first win with the hole-shot award in the second Main Event. Mike Alessi, of Hilliard, Fla., and Dungey crossed the hole-shot line in second and third, respectively. While leading, Villopoto crashed and lost several valuable positions as Alessi moved into the lead. Coincidently, Dungey experienced mechanical problems once again and struggled in the second 10-lap Main Event. Barcia secured the number-two position on Lap 4 and, after an intense battle with Alessi, he moved into the lead.

On lap 7, Barcia ran through the pit lane, and Alessi moved back into the lead. The following lap, Barcia moved back into the lead and rode to victory. Alessi opted to run through the pit lane on Lap 9, allowing Dungey to move into second place, where he would finish. Heading into the third and final Main Event, Barcia has a two-point lead over Dungey.

In the third and final main event, Alessi captured the hole-shot as Dungey and Barcia followed closely in second and third, respectively. After winning Main Event #1, Villopoto did not line up for the final main event as a result of the hard crash in the second event. Alessi crashed on the opening lap, Dungey moved into the lead, but after he chose to go through the pit lane, Barcia assumed the lead. On lap 9, Barcia chose to go through the pit lane, giving the lead to Eli Tomac, of Cortez, Colo. Tomac held on for the win, Barcia finished second and Dungey finished third.

Dungey finished second overall and Tomac finished third overall.

“All the guys in this class are really fast, and I am happy to turn in the performance I did tonight,” said Barcia. I tried to hold off (going into the Joker Lane) until late in the race, and that gave Eli the chance to move into the lead. I have been working hard and will continue to work hard.”