James Stewart Jr. (born December 21, 1985) is a professional motocross racer sometimes known as the Tiger Woods of supercross. He is known for his race, tenacity, speed and also being the first African American to dominate the sport of motocross.
James Stewart was born in Bartow, Florida. His father, James Sr., was a motocross racer and took his son on rides and to watch him race starting at a very young age. "Bubba" Stewart entered his first race when he was four and garnered his first sponsor at the age of seven.
As a child "Bubba" traveled around the country with his family so he could compete in motocross races. The Stewarts lived in a motorhome and Bubba and his younger brother, Malcolm, were home-schooled. As an amateur racer he won nine national titles and became known for his blazing speed and big air; a combination that had never been seen from a rider of his age. "Bubba" turned pro in 2002, competing in the 125cc class and was named the 2002 Rookie of the Year. He is the first African-American to dominate the sport of motocross and led Teen People to name him one of "20 Teens Who Will Change the World" in its April 2003 issue.
On April 2nd 2005, in his third race after moving up to the bigger, faster 250cc class, Bubba became the first African-American to win a 250cc THQ World Supercross Series race at Texas Stadium, beating such heavyweights as Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and Kevin Windham. Bubba would go on to win 2 more times during his first Supercross (indoor) season, before directing his attention to the 2005 AMA National Motocross Championship (outdoor) season.
Stewart's sponsors include Kawasaki, Fox, RedBull and Oakley, and he also has a role in an MX2002 video game for the PlayStation.
Accomplishments
- 2001 - Finished amateur career holding the record for most national wins - 11.
- 2002 - Youngest 125cc AMA National Champion in MX history.
- 2002 - Best rookie season in AMA MX history.
- 2002 - Most wins (10 of 12) in 125cc AMA MX history.
- 2002 - First African-American AMA Champion.
- 2002 - AMA Supercross Rookie of the Year.
- 2003 - Won West Championship winning all but one race.
- 2003 - Won all three AMA titles (East and West Supercross; National Championship).
- 2004 - Record 11 (out of 12) motocross wins during a season.
- 2005 - Moved up to the 250 Premier class.
Notables:
- Seven time Loretta Lynn's champion.
- Holds the record for combined Supercross and Motocross wins on a 125cc - 47
- 4 AMA 125cc titles.
- First African American to win a major motorsport event.