Slaw Dog
The AMA has handed down a ten point penalty and a fine (the amount was not disclosed) to Red Bull GasGas’ Justin Barcia for his aggressive pass on Malcolm Stewart in the 450 main event last night in Salt Lake City.
Entering the night, Stewart (295 points), Barcia (291), and Marvin Musquin (287) were all battling for third in the standings.
In the main event, Stewart made a clean pass on Barcia, but a few corners later, Barcia responded with a very aggressive pass that sent Stewart to the ground.
Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Adam Cianciarulo was in the booth last night calling the race and offered his thoughts:
“I didn’t like it, I didn’t like the pass at all. …The problem I have with that pass is it is basically a head-on collision and that’s essentially available in every turn you are behind somebody. You can always do this to somebody else. That’s like Max Verstappen running into the back of Lewis Hamilton every time he gets behind him. It’s just not a very classy move. I’ve got a lot of respect for Justin Barcia as a racer and a person, he’s a great rider. Yeah, I just disagree with that move.”
Barcia would finish the race third, while Stewart rebounded to finish fourth. Due to his 10-point penalty, Barcia would finish fifth in points, three behind Marvin Musquin. Stewart claimed third in the championship.
On the podium Barcia owned the fact that is was an aggressive pass:
“We’re racing for a championship, third in points, I was doing everything I could. Obviously, it was an aggressive pass, I’m gonna own that, what do I say? I’m out there racing for this championship, that’s what I wanted, third. …I’m sorry guys but I’m here racing for a living. This is what I do. You can bring the boos but love it or hate it but this is me. Since day one.”
Main image: GasGas
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