Motocross of Nations
Sidelined from AMA Supercross and Motocross racing for nearly seven months due to a season ending injury in early 2010, Team San Manuel/Yamaha’s James Stewart spent the past few weeks enduring an aggressive training and testing regimen to prepare to re-enter the world of off-road motorcycle racing this weekend with Saturday’s race in the Motocross Outdoor National Series at Unadilla, in which he finished 11th overall.
Though many had hoped to see him return to the Motocross series earlier in the season, Stewart did not get medical clearance to return to riding until just recently, limiting just how many races he’d be able to compete in.
Hoping that a successful return to the track would earn him the opportunity to ride for Team USA in late September at Motocross des Nations (Lakewood, CO), Stewart was disappointed but understanding when they decided to finalize and announce Team selection earlier today.
James Stewart says: “The past seven months have been very frustrating not being able to race. I looked forward to returning to the Motocross National Series and was hopeful that I could earn my place on Team USA for Motocross des Nations. I’m really disappointed as I was really hoping to ride for Team USA. But I understand that they have to make a decision and they haven’t seen me ride in a while. And there are a lot of guys who have raced a full season that deserve a chance. I wish Team USA the best for a successful run at the title.”
Larry Brooks (Team Manager) says: “I’m disappointed for James. He’s worked so hard to get back to racing the remaining Motocross National Series. And we were led to believe that they would give him a chance to prove himself before any decisions were made. It’s not uncommon for riders to miss races during a season due to injury. And in my opinion, a guy with his level of talent on a motorcycle deserves a chance to earn a spot on the Team.”
Though Stewart’s Team did not compete in the 2009 Motocross National Series, few can forget how he finished the 2008 Season, earning the Championship title with a 24-0 perfect win season, being only the second rider in Motocross history to accomplish this.
