Article by: Dan Lamb | Interview by: Chase Yocom
James Stewart has had the roughest start of his career in 2013, but nothing washes the pain away like a win in a 450 Supercross main event. After losing his clutch on the line in Dallas—which led to a DNS—James rebounded in Atlanta with a wire-to-wire win. What made the win even more impressive was that he had the two fastest guys in 2013 in his rear view mirror. From start to finish, Ryan Villopoto and Davi Millsaps ran 2nd and 3rd, and that’s right where James kept them. Ryan did make a run at James late in the race, but the #7 controlled the race perfectly from the front. MotoXAddicts’ Chase Yocom talked with James about ending the longest win drought of his career. Check out how his conversation went with a very pumped James Stewart in the Georgia Dome pits.
James, it was your first win in 350 days, how does it feel?
It feels great, past great. I think everybody needed this win including myself, especially after what happened last week. I wouldn’t say last week; it’s been all year. It’s been an up-and-down season, you know, devastating to basically get kicked in the bottom last weekend. And then to come back and win this weekend—holeshotted both races, led every lap I was in—it was a special weekend.
So how’s the knee holding up? Have you been able to do any more practicing during the week? What’s changed that allowed you to get the win?
For three or four weeks, I wasn’t even riding during the week, so that’s what it was. Now, I’m getting a few days in. I haven’t hurt it in a while, and I feel like it’s pretty strong. Now, I feel like I did before I came into the season. I feel healthy, I feel in shape, I feel like 20 laps is my thing, so that’s been the biggest difference. It’s confidence knowing I’m doing the right stuff during the week and not confidence that I’ve been hurt.
Nice, can you briefly take us through the day?
The day was up and down. It was crazy. I struggled during practice. Even though I was super fast, I struggled. I struggled during the heat race, but I was able to win that too. Then in the main event, I don’t know what kind of jump I got, but I was able to sneak around the inside, get the holeshot and lead every lap. Ryan [Villopoto] was in second, and he was just there the whole time. It was about two-seconds. That’s all I needed.
Yeah, you and the 250 winner, Wil Hahn, pulled the holeshots and led every lap. That’s how it’s done, right?
For sure, I love Wil! I talked to that kid last week, and I told him you’ll get one here soon. We’re cool, and we’re going to ride together here soon. He’s a super nice guy, and it was special. I could feel like his sentiment after he won, how happy he was, and I can guarantee I was right there with him.
Well, James, congrats, and I appreciate you talking with us. Is there anybody you would like to thank?
Yeah, I just want to thank my team, Yoshimura/Suzuki, everybody from Red Bull, GoPro and Oakley. Seven Gear—we’ve been making some cool stuff this year, so that’s been special. Also, all the fans out there for sticking with me. It’s awesome!
Alright, well, thanks again and good luck in St. Louis.
Thank you
