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GASGAS THANKS SAM SUNDERLAND AS RALLY-RAID STAR ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Thank you, Sam! It’s a bittersweet moment for GASGAS as we announce that our rally hero Sam Sunderland has decided to hang up his boots and retire from professional motorcycle racing. Sam’s journey with GASGAS and the company has been super successful, and we’re beyond proud of everything he has achieved with the team.

  • Sunderland to retire from professional motorcycle racing
  • Sam’s outstanding career included two world championships and two Dakar wins
  • Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing wish Sam all the best for the future

Joining Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing for the 2022 season, Sam kicked off his stint on the RX 450F with a bang by claiming victory in the 2022 Dakar Rally – the first ever win for GASGAS at the world’s toughest rally-raid. And that was just the beginning! Sam kept the momentum going with stellar performances at each FIM World Rally-Raid Championship round in 2022, ultimately clinching his second world championship title. What a year!

Sam first joined the company back in 2014, and during his time racing for the team he secured no less than two world championships and two Dakar victories, not to mention multiple stage and event wins along the way. Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing couldn’t be more grateful for Sam’s passion, dedication, and sheer awesomeness he brought to every race. Sam will continue working with the team, using his vast experience in a support and development role. Thank you for everything, Sam, we’re already looking forward to working closely together again in the future!

Sam Sunderland: “It is with gratitude, humility, a bit of sadness, but without regret, that I announce my retirement from motorcycle racing after having a career that I dreamed of once upon a time. From winning two world championships to my two Dakar victories, it’s been an incredible run. I would like to thank everyone that has been a part of this chapter and I’m looking forward to staying close to the team and playing a part in supporting their race efforts in the future.”

Andreas Hölzl – Rally Team Manager: “We would like to say a massive thank you to Sam for his time with Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing. I speak for the whole team when I say we’re sad to hear that Sam is retiring from racing, but we completely respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for us over the years. Beyond being a phenomenal racer, Sam is a fantastic person – always supportive, motivating, and a true team player. He is a huge part of the GASGAS family, and we look forward to working with him again in new and exciting ways in the future.”

Pit Beirer – Motorsports Director: “Sam joined the company back in 2014, and since then his passion, dedication, and results have been exceptional. He not only secured two world championships and two Dakar victories, but he played a massive part in the successes of the whole team. Over the years, our relationship with Sam became stronger and stronger, and with his move to Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing in 2022, he continued to make history. While it’s tough to see Sam go, we respect his decision. I’d like to personally thank Sam for everything he put into the team and wish him well for the future.”

STRONG DEBUT FOR ROCKSTAR ENERGY GASGAS FACTORY RACING TEAM AT ANAHEIM 1

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Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing recruit Justin Barcia has started his 2025 AMA Supercross campaign with a solid 450SX points haul, finishing an action-packed night of racing in sixth position. In the 250SX division, Ryder DiFrancesco started his season strongly by racing to a career-best P4 result. Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing debuts at A1! Sixth a sign of things to come for Justin Barcia in 450SX Class Ryder DiFrancesco finishes just short of the 250SX West podium After a quiet qualifying session, Bam Bam came out firing in his heat race onboard the GASGAS MC 450F Factory Edition , making a late pass and holding off an intense challenge for position to take P3. Despite a mid-pack start to the Main Event, Barcia went to work on the riders ahead of him, pushing his way into the top-five during the 20-minute encounter before dropping a position on the final lap and finishing P6. Justin Barcia: “A1 was a bit of a stressful day. I think this was the 12th or 13th time I’ve lined up for Anaheim, but the nerves never go away. I was riding like a goon in practice and qualifying, but I had a good heat race and rode really well. I didn’t get the greatest start in the Main Event, but I got myself up to fifth with a really good ride. Unfortunately, I got passed at the end of the race and brought it home in sixth. All in all, we turned the day around. I’m not happy with sixth, but to get out of Anaheim healthy and with the bike working well, I’m looking forward to San Diego.” Ryder D was impressive all day at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium. After posting the third-fastest qualifying time aboard the GASGAS MC 250F Factory Edition, the 19-year-old put in a convincing performance to finish P3 in his Heat. In the Main Event, DiFrancesco worked his way through the pack early after a tricky start, steadily picking off the guys ahead of him to ultimately finish with a career-best fourth-place result. Ryder DiFrancesco: “I had good qualifying sessions and I was near the top of the board in every session. My Heat race was good and in the Main Event I ran third until a lap and a half to go. We’re close! This was a huge confidence gain tonight and I’m excited for San Diego.” Next Race: January 18 – San Diego, California Results 450SX Class – Anaheim 1. Chase Sexton (KTM) 2. Ken Roczen (Suzuki) 3. Jason Anderson (Kawasaki) 6. Justin Barcia (Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing) 9. Aaron Plessinger (KTM) 10. Malcolm Stewart (Husqvarna) Standings 450SX Class 2025 after 1 of 17 rounds 1. Chase Sexton, 25 points 2. Ken Roczen, 22 3. Jason Anderson, 20 6. Justin Barcia, 15 9. Aaron Plessinger, 12 10. Malcolm Stewart, 11 Results 250SX West Class – Anaheim 1. Jo Shimoda (Honda) 2. Julien Beaumer (KTM) 3. Jordon Smith (Triumph) 4. Ryder DiFrancesco (Rockstar Energy GASGAS Factory Racing) Standings 250SX West Class 2025 after 1 of 10 rounds 1. Jo Shimoda, 25 points 2. Julien Beaumer, 22 3. Jordon Smith, 20 4. Ryder DiFrancesco, 18