Justin Barcia is returning to Suzuki for the 2027 SuperMotocross World Championship, leaving Ducati’s program for the HEP Motorsports / Pipes Motorsports Group effort. He will race a Suzuki RM-Z450 under the Twisted Tea Suzuki banner, with his first race set for January 9, 2027, when the championship opens at Angel Stadium in Anaheim.

The agreement covers the 2027 season and includes a mutual option to extend it through 2028. It takes Barcia back to a motorcycle he last raced in 2017, the final season of his three-year spell with JGRMX. He subsequently competed for Yamaha and GasGas before joining Ducati’s factory program, making this a return to Suzuki after nearly a decade away.

A reset after a difficult 2026

Barcia’s 2026 campaign was disrupted by his Anaheim 1 crash. He missed most of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season, then returned at the end of April. He contested every Pro Motocross round except one and ended the championship 10th in the final standings. Barcia presented the Suzuki move as a fresh start and said he was ready to put in the work during the offseason.

His record includes two 250SX East titles, 10 premier-class overall victories and 61 overall podiums in the 450 class. At Twisted Tea Suzuki, Barcia replaces Colt Nichols and joins Jason Anderson, who is returning for 2027. Team principal Dustin Pipes praised Barcia’s effort and competitive character, saying he should fit well within the team.

One question remains around the wider Suzuki line-up. Ken Roczen has not confirmed whether he will return to the Progressive Insurance Ecstar Suzuki or retire. If he does come back, the 2026 Supercross champion would be seeking to defend that title. Roczen sat out the Pro Motocross season but returned to competition in the SuperMotocross Playoffs.