Supercross Champion James Stewart confirms that he will be competing in X Games 15 in Best Whip, Super X and Supermoto racing. “I’m pumped to have a chance to attend and compete,” says Stewart. “I have always wanted to do the X Games, but this is the first time that it has actually worked out contract and schedule wise.”
In fact just hours before showtime, Stewart and his team are hard at work in California dialing in his hybrid roadracer/dirtbike Yamaha YZ450F Supermoto race machine. “Obviously I’m at home on a supercross track, but I’ve never raced Supermoto before so this is all new to me. I can’t wait though; it’ll be a blast!” As for Best Whip, “That’s in the bag,” he laughs.
“Honestly, I’m pleased that James is finally making his debut at X Games,” offered former AMA Supercross and Motocross champion Ricky Carmichael, an X Games Step UP Gold medalist in his own right and the winningest rider in motocross and supercross history. “X Games fans deserve to see the best of the best so it’s a natural that guys like Stewart, Josh Grant and Kevin Windham would be there. They benefit from tremendous exposure and being able to position themselves with the other elite athletes that X Games attracts.” Today the former motorcycle champion is pursuing a NASCAR career behind the wheel of the #4 KHI All-Stars Monster Energy Chevrolet Silverado. Cycle News
In 2009 Stewart claimed back the American AMA Supercross Championship from Reed, in the closest series of all time with only four points overall separating the two. Stewart had previously won the championship in 2007 whilst Reed won in 2004 and 2008.
“I have a lot of respect for Chad (Reed) and our rivalry only makes us race better and is great for the sport. This year was the toughest I ever had to fight to win a championship, which made the victory even sweeter.
“When the opportunity came up to race in Super X in Australia I didn’t think twice. I have never been or raced there before and I am really looking forward to taking on Chad (Reed) in his country. It will be a great race and we will both be going for it,” said Stewart.
The Super X series finale in Brisbane will be the first time the rivals will race against each other since the final round of the AMA Championship in Las Vegas in May where Stewart reclaimed the world championship. It will also be the only time they will race before the 2010 AMA series so both riders will be chasing the confidence boost that would come from a win.
“The only place I have ever raced supercross against James (Stewart) is in North America so I can’t wait for the match up with a home crowd advantage. It is by far the biggest supercross race ever held in Australia and will be great for the fans. Hanson Sports Media
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