Image: Octopi Media.

Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati’s Justin Barcia has said there is ‘so much more in the tank’ after scoring an inspired eighth-place finish in Denver on Saturday two weekends into his return to racing.

The 34-year-old had been sidelined since January’s season-opener in Anaheim after a frightening lap-one collision in the main event with Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing), returning at Philadelphia’s 15th round and claiming 11th.

Barcia improved his result at Empower Field at Mile High, taking his Desmo450 MX to the holeshot and P2 in the heat race, before finishing eighth in the main event after overcoming a slow start.

“I didn’t have the greatest of starts, but I fought hard in the first corner and rode some good laps in the beginning,” commented Barcia. “It was cool to ride at that pace with the guys. The bike was working really well.

“After practice we made a huge change, and the boys nailed it – the bike was working really good. The heat race showed it. In the main, I was great until about halfway and kind of hit a wall.

“I regrouped a little, and there were a few guys in front of me, and I tried to fight, but I got arm pump,” he continued. “[A] top 10 is good, and I’m happy with it, I just know there is so much more in the tank.”

Development of Ducati’s Desmo450 platform in Monster Energy Supercross has largely been led by teammate Dylan Ferrandis, who finished 10th in Denver and sits 11th in the 450SX standings with a single round remaining.