Image: Octopi Media.

Pipes Motorsports Group (PMG) recruit Justin Barcia has described his newfound deal as ‘a fresh start’ entering 2027, signed to the title-winning Suzuki team for the Monster Energy SMX World Championship season and with an option to extend into 2028.

The news arrives after Barcia, 34, spent a single injury-riddled season with Troy Lee Designs Red Bull Ducati Factory Racing, leading development of the Desmo450 MX alongside Dylan Ferrandis during its first season of SMX competition.

For next year, Barcia will join the PMG organization, which claimed this year’s 450SX title with Ken Roczen. The six-time 450SX main event winner has signed through 2027, with a mutual option to extend the deal into 2028.

“I’m thrilled to be joining a championship-winning team like Pipes Motorsports Group and a proven bike like the Suzuki RM-Z450 for the upcoming season,” commented Barcia. “This is a fresh start for me and I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.

“Dustin, the team, and everyone involved have built a top-tier program, and I’m ready to put in the work this offseason, give it my all, and deliver results. Can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”

Team principal Dustin Pipes added: “We are really excited to have Justin join the team for the 2027 season. I’ve always been a fan of the effort he puts into every moto and the competitor he is on the racetrack. He will fit in well with the team, and I look forward to working with him.”

Barcia last competed on the RM-Z450 platform when the now-defunct Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) team switched from Yamaha to Suzuki equipment in 2017. He then had stints with both Monster Energy Yamaha and GASGAS Factory Racing, before signing with Ducati for 2026.

It remains unclear whether Roczen will return to PMG and Suzuki in 2027, with the veteran continuing to float the idea of retirement as the reigning 450SX champion. In addition, world champion Jason Anderson had signed a single-year contract for 2026, but is expected to continue into next year.

It was announced in September ahead of the SMX Final that PMG has aligned with Adroit Worldwide Media, Inc. (AWM) – through AWM Fulfillment and AWM Foods – to become its new title partner into the future as part of a multi-year commitment.