Jake Weimer will substitute for Justin Barcia starting this Saturday, Jan. 7 at the opening round of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship until further notice. Barcia, who was eager to debut on the Autotrader/Suzuki/JGRMX RM-Z450, suffered a wrist injury a few weeks ago when a chain broke while practicing.

After consulting with his doctors in Florida, it was determined that the injury was a fracture of his lunate bone along with some ligament damage. While no surgery is necessary he will require several weeks off the motorcycle for proper healing. Justin will attend this weekend’s event in Anaheim, Calif. to greet fans and support the team and its sponsors.

Weimer is a former 250SX West Champion, and a veteran in the 450SX Class where he has amassed a career best second place, 12 top-five, 31 top-10 results, and a King of Bercy title in 2012. Weimer also finished third overall in Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship competition in 2014.

“I am very familiar with the RM-Z450 bike having ridden for the RCH/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team last year and look forward to working with the guys at JGR and Suzuki. I am excited about this opportunity and plan to make the most of it,” said Weimer.

As noted above, the opening round of the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship is this Sat., Jan. 7 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif. Weston Peick will race alongside Weimer in the 450SX Class, and Phillip Nicoletti will contest the 250SX West Class aboard his Suzuki RM-Z250. FS1 will broadcast the entire event live starting at 9:30 p.m. ET.