Page 104 - ISSUE41

MALCOM STEWART
450 SX / 18TH
IMAGE / LANNAN WORDS / ROEWER DESIGN / WILSON
>> It was a tough start to the Supercross season for Malcom Stewart, wanting to move into the premier 450 class where he knew he belonged but fighting to find someone to back him. He was finally able to get things squared away and a bike under him so the ball was rolling heading into Anaheim 2. With being
in the front of the pack as the goal, small mistakes each round has set him back. Never getting off without a hitch the young Stewart brother has been looking to ride one full steady main event. The night started out well for the rookie qualifying around thirteenth; a spot reflecting where he tends to finish around. As the gate dropped for his heat race Malcom got a good jump to the first turn right around 7th place. Knowing they only take the top four riders
for the main event, Stewart was all business making his way forward almost instantly. Canard was racing hard in front of him holding down the last transfer spot, but Stewart had the extra drive and made his way into fourth securing his way into the main event. Not having to race a semi was a good change
of pace for the rookie. The track was technical as it has been all year and the start was a critical point in the race, something Stewart knew. Flying out of the gate he was running 10th through the first lap. Working hard to hang onto his spot Tickle was able to get around him followed by Wilson and Barcia. Before he knew it, he was sitting back in 15th and it was only the 6th lap of the 27-lap main event. Now working to not lose any more positions, consistency was key. Around the halfway point, he lost another spot to Vince Friese and was now in 16th, but began a battle with Bogle. After going back and forth, Stewart was able to grab a couple passes back into 14th. Finally heading in the right direction, Stewart was beginning to look more comfortable. The rest of the race played out and Stewart made some mistakes that unfortunately sent him back to 18th where he finished. A position he has not seen since his first race back at Anaheim 2, with nothing but room to improve, Stewart still has a few rounds left to really show us what he is made of.
104 GRITMOTO • MARCH 19, 2017