Photo by: Todd Gutierrez

First thing we would like to say is, congratulations to Malcolm Stewart from MotoXAddicts.

Since turning pro back in 2011 under the enormous shadow of his big brother James Stewart, GEICO Honda’s Malcolm Stewart has had an up and down career, but for the last couple years, the Haines City, Florida rider has been right on the edge of breaking through and getting his own wins in the record book. Up until Saturday night in Oakland, though, the #34 had always fallen just short. Well, that’s no more, and with his first-ever main event win in Oakland on Saturday night, Mom and Pop Stewart can now rest knowing both their boys are in the record books as main event winners on the biggest stage in off-road motorcycle racing: Monster Energy Supercross.

Malcolm and his dad celebrating the biggest win in Malcolm's career. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez
Malcolm and his dad celebrating the biggest win in Malcolm’s career. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez

Heading into the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross season, GEICO Honda signed Malcolm with just weeks left to get ready, and four rounds in Malcolm thanked them with a second place finish in Phoenix and a huge win in Oakland. If not for an unfortunate crash and a twenty-second place finish at the Anaheim opener, Mookie would be right in this Championship. As it sits now with a 22-2-5-1 scorecard, Malcolm sits sixth in the 2015 Western Regional 250SX Championship with a twenty-two point hill to climb to the leader. As we always say in supercross, anything can happen.

After Malcolm’s huge first-ever win in Oakland, we caught up with him to ask about his night. You can read what the overjoyed Honda pilot had to say below.

Malcolm with the GEICO Honda team and family. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez
Malcolm with the GEICO Honda team and family. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez

Huge day for you Malcolm. How does it feel to get that big first-ever win?

It feels good! It definitely sunk it. I knew I had it in me honestly. But, even though I got this win, something is off—my brother’s not here. I think that’s the biggest thing; I honestly miss him. It’s not the same without having him here. Overall, though, I’m just so thankful. Coming into the year, I wasn’t sure if I had a ride. It definitely bummed me out, but now everything is starting to pay off. All the hard work, believing in myself and this is a dream come true. I always knew I could have a win and there’s nothing bigger than winning here in Oakland because my dad’s a big Oakland Raiders fan. It’s awesome! I’m kind of speechless right now, but I got to thank the whole GEICO team. Hats off to Jeff Majkrzak because he’s the one that gave me the opportunity to be here. I don’t know, I’m kind of speechless right now, but thanks to my mechanic Derek, Alias—I’m speechless.

 

Ha! Can you talk about the main event a little? You looked super aggressive in the beginning. Was it a “see your opportunity and get after it” deal?

Believe it or not, I was just trying to do the best I could. [Justin] Hill was riding a good race; he was on it. He made a mistake and I got around him. I didn’t know I was in first until lap thirteen. I thought there was someone else in front of me and thought, “Whoever this guy is, he is gone.” I looked and was like “Oh, this guy is me. Alright, that’s cool.” (laughs) Then, I started getting nervous on the last lap, but I knew Cooper [Webb] was coming. He was riding a good race and he was putting it on the edge. I definitely gotta give it to him; he was coming. Overall, it’s all about staying up and believing in yourself and that’s what I did.

Mookie has never had a problem with looking good on a dirt bike. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez
Mookie has never had a problem with looking good on a dirt bike. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez

Was Cooper’s pressure enough to make you have to grab another gear that last lap or did you feel you had enough room to just cruise it in?

I cruised it in. I knew if I just charged and made sure I’m good for a whole half a lap—after the second triple—I knew I had it. Honestly, when I knew I won and was coming up to the checkered flag, I was like “I wonder if I should roll it or jump it? Too late, roll it!” (laughs)

 

You talked about missing your brother. Did you see his text message tonight?

I did not. I have a hundred and twenty-two text messages right now. My Twitter and everything is just blowing up right now. My phone’s probably going to explode so I can’t see nothing.

GEICO/Honda's team manager, Mike Larooco, is usually not the hugging type. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez
GEICO/Honda’s team manager, Mike Larooco, is usually not the hugging type. Photo by: Todd Gutierrez

Just to let you know, James tweeted that tonight was one of the proudest moments of his career.

Well then, it was the proudest moment of my career. Definitely, though, it’s not the same without him, and I just want to let him know that. And, since he ain’t here, I gotta let him know through TV.

 

Alright, well, congrats and thanks for talking with us. Huge win!

Thank you.

Author

Dan Lamb is a 12+ year journalist and the owner of MotoXAddicts.