Justin Barcia and the Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing Team will go their separate ways at the end of the current season. This brings an end to Barcia’s long association with Troy Lee’s team, for which he has raced since 2021. The American is now looking for a new challenge for 2027.
Barcia began his partnership with Troy Lee Designs in 2021, when the team became the official GASGAS factory team in the United States. The partnership produced, among other achievements, GASGAS’ first 450SX and 450MX victories. The GASGAS program came to an end at the end of 2025, but Barcia remained with Troy Lee’s organization.
For 2026, a completely new chapter began. Troy Lee entered into a partnership with Ducati, and Barcia was signed alongside Dylan Ferrandis to represent the new Ducati Desmo450 MX in the American Supercross and Motocross Championships. This made Barcia part of Ducati’s first official factory off-road program in the United States.
After just one season with Ducati, however, the partnership between Barcia and the team is now coming to an end. The experienced American will not return to Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing in 2027 and will be looking for a new challenge.
For Barcia, the departure also marks the end of a particularly long period with the Troy Lee organization. Although the manufacturer and team colors have changed over the years, Barcia has remained part of the same team structure since 2021.
It is not yet known where the American’s future lies. Barcia is therefore an interesting name on the rider market heading into the 2027 season.
Photocredits – Align Media
