Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Team reveals 2020 line-up

Michelle Liew

December 24, 2019

2020 will see Aaron Plessinger and Justin Barcia return to the tracks.

Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team 2020 | Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A (YMUS) has just announced the 2020 Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team. The team will be featuring returning riders Justin Barcia and Aaron Plessinger. The duo will be taking on the Yamaha YZ450F in the premier 450 class of both the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship series.

The 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship gets underway in its traditional season opener venue in Anaheim, California, on Saturday, January 4, at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim.

Jim Perry – Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team Manager

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the progress that the team and riders have made with the new 2020 Yamaha YZ450F this off-season. I believe that we have two determined athletes who are fully dedicated and capable of challenging for this Monster Energy SX championship in 2020,” says Perry as quoted from Yamaha Racing.

With Aaron, we have a young talent who has shown his championship-winning abilities in the past. In 2019, his rookie season, he rounded out the top five prior to a massive setback at Daytona. Now, as Aaron starts his sophomore season, he is back to 100% and focused on the task at hand, to return to his winning ways.

As for Justin, we have been impressed with his work ethic throughout this off-season. Had it not been for an early-season injury after the A1 win, he would have been in championship contention. Now back from two strong events in Europe and his third “King of Paris” title, Justin is motivated to start the 2020 season atop the podium at A1 and maintain the intensity throughout the season.

Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team)- What to Expect?

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

2020 is looking like a good year for me. I’m excited to be back with the team for my third year now. I’m really pleased with the work so far. A lot of things have been changing inside the team, so we’re really excited to go racing. We’ve been doing a lot of work this year. The team’s putting in a lot of effort, and I’m doing everything I can training-wise, as well as lots of riding and testing.

I’ve had two good races overseas this year and a few things popped up there that we can work on, which is what those races are for, to learn some stuff and see where we are at. I’ve definitely been riding really well. I feel like I’m the best I’ve been in a long time, so it’s exciting. The 2020 Yamaha season is looking bright.

Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing Team)- What to Expect?

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“I’m feeling great coming into the season and looking forward to another year with the team. We have this final month to really push and get ready for 2020. This year’s bike is unbelievable. We’ve done a lot of testing this off-season, now it’s just down to fine-tuning and getting the laps in. I’m feeling great fitness-wise, and like I said, feeling great on the bike. I’m pumped and ready to go. Bring on A1!”