Page 48 - MPG16

JAMES STEWART
What a season it has been for “The fastest rider on the planet” James Stewart. After getting knocked out cold at the opening round in Anaheim, he has not been the same. Several attempts at returning to the series have resulted in more crashes and more injuries. We saw flashes of his old self, way back in his Oakland heat race but had to pull out of the main event due to lingering
effects of his concussion. Another return in Atlanta and he clearly did not look the James we all know and he ended up being lapped and maybe altering the outcome of the race for the two leaders. Two more returns in Daytona and St. Louis only involved more crashes and injuries. I think it would be hard to find a rider with a more frustrating and draining season has been for James. He has unbelievable speed and is capable of mind-bending things on a motorcycle and watching him race at less than 100% is tough. He is one of the most fun riders to watch and the sport is so much more entertaining with the number seven on the starting line. It has been a rough return to supercross after his suspension last year but we can only hope he gets completely healthy and we see old James in the outdoor series and the 2017 season.
48 GRITMOTO • MAY.2.16
words/SETHHARNISHFEGER