In 2008, something extraordinary occurred in professional motocross that had never happened before. James Stewart Jr. achieved a perfect 24-0 record in AMA Motocross 450cc competition – a feat so rare that it remains unmatched in the sport’s modern era. This wasn’t simply about winning races; it was about a young man from Bartow, Florida, who fundamentally transformed how motorcycles could be ridden, earning him the moniker “The Fastest Man on Dirt.”
James Stewart Jr. is a retired American professional motocross and supercross racer who revolutionized the sport through his innovative “scrub” technique and explosive riding style. Beyond his technical contributions, Stewart broke significant barriers as the first African American rider to achieve widespread dominance in professional motocross and supercross. His success opened doors for underrepresented communities in motorsports, inspiring young riders worldwide through his visibility, achievements, and role as a trailblazer who demonstrated that excellence in motocross transcends racial boundaries.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James Stewart Jr. |
| Born (Age) | December 21, 1985 (39 years old as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Birthplace | Bartow, Florida, United States |
| Occupation | Former Professional Motocross/Supercross Racer, Commentator, Podcast Host |
| Active Years | 2002–2016 (Professional Racing), Retired 2019 |
| Notable For | Two-time AMA Supercross 450cc Champion, Perfect 24-0 AMA Motocross 450cc season (2008), “Fastest Man on Dirt,” pioneering the “scrub” technique |
| Parents | James Stewart Sr. and Sonya Stewart |
| Brother | Malcolm Stewart (professional motocross racer) |
| Race Number | #7 (JS7) |
| Current Role | AMA Supercross/Motocross Commentator, Host of Bubba’s World Podcast |
What Shaped James Stewart Jr.’s Early Years?
James “Bubba” Stewart Jr. was born on December 21, 1985, in Bartow, Florida, into a family where motocross wasn’t just recreation – it was their calling. His father, James Stewart Sr., and mother, Sonya Stewart, recognized their son’s exceptional talent early and became his primary mentors throughout his amateur career.
Stewart began racing motocross at age four, quickly demonstrating abilities that distinguished him from his peers. From the early 1990s through 2001, Stewart dominated the amateur circuit with extraordinary success, accumulating 84 amateur victories and 11 Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National Championship titles before turning professional. These victories weren’t just wins; they were declarations that a new type of rider was emerging.
Growing up in Florida’s competitive motocross scene during the 1990s, Stewart developed his aggressive, fast-paced riding style on the demanding tracks of the Southeast. His early exposure to diverse racing conditions and his parents’ guidance shaped both his technical skills and mental approach to high-pressure competition.
The Stewart family’s commitment to excellence extended beyond James Jr. His brother Malcolm Stewart would later follow in his footsteps, becoming a successful professional racer himself and demonstrating the family’s deep connection to motocross culture.
How Did Stewart Transform Professional Racing?
Stewart transitioned to professional racing in 2002, immediately making an impact in the 125cc class (now 250cc). His breakthrough wasn’t just about speed – it was about innovation. Stewart pioneered the “scrub” technique, a revolutionary method of laying the bike nearly flat over jump faces to maintain speed while staying lower than traditional jumping methods.
This technique fundamentally altered motocross racing worldwide. The scrub allowed Stewart to clear obstacles faster and with greater control, giving him significant advantages on supercross tracks where jumps are frequent and technical. Within years, the scrub became standard practice for elite riders globally, cementing Stewart’s role as a technical innovator.
Stewart’s rise through the 125cc ranks was meteoric, earning him the 2003 AMA 125 West Supercross Championship and 2004 AMA 125 East Supercross Championship, as documented in official AMA Supercross records, before moving to the premier 450cc class. His transition coincided with facing seasoned veterans like Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed, setting up some of the most competitive periods in motocross history.
What Made Stewart’s Championship Years So Remarkable?
Stewart captured two AMA Supercross 450cc championships in 2007 and 2009, but his most remarkable achievement came in 2008. His perfect 24-0 AMA Motocross 450cc season remains unmatched in the sport’s modern era. This wasn’t just winning – it was domination at a level rarely seen in professional motorsports.
The 2008 season showcased Stewart’s evolution from fast rider to complete racer. His combination of raw speed, technical innovation, and mental toughness created a standard that defined excellence in motocross competition. Each victory that season built toward a legacy that transcended individual accomplishments.
Stewart’s championship resume includes multiple international victories, including the 2006 and 2007 FIM World Supercross Grand Prix Championships and 2009 FIM World Supercross Championship. He also contributed to Team USA’s victories at the 2006 and 2008 Motocross of Nations, often referred to as the “Olympics of Motocross,” demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest international levels.
Stewart’s iconic race number #7 became synonymous with speed and innovation, leading to his popular “JS7” moniker. The number represented more than identification – it became a brand associated with pushing the boundaries of what was possible on a motocross bike.
Key Insight: Stewart’s perfect season wasn’t just about individual talent; it demonstrated how technical innovation could create sustainable competitive advantages in professional motorsports globally.
How Did Stewart Impact Diversity in Motocross?
Stewart became the first African American rider to achieve significant dominance in professional motocross and supercross, breaking barriers in a sport historically lacking diversity. His success opened doors and inspired countless young riders from underrepresented communities worldwide to pursue motocross careers.
His charismatic personality and aggressive riding style attracted new audiences to motocross, expanding the sport’s demographic reach across multiple continents. Stewart’s reality television series, Bubba’s World, showcased his life and career to mainstream audiences, further broadening motocross’s cultural impact globally.
Malcolm Stewart’s successful professional racing career extended the Stewart family’s influence on the sport. This sibling success story demonstrated how breaking barriers could create lasting change within motorsports communities worldwide.
What Challenges Did Stewart Face During His Career?
Stewart’s career was significantly impacted by injuries, which affected his consistency and ability to maintain peak performance levels. The physical demands of motocross, combined with his aggressive riding style, led to multiple setbacks that influenced his competitive trajectory.
The most significant controversy came in 2014 when Stewart received a 16-month suspension from the FIM for an anti-doping rule violation related to Adderall, a medication prescribed for his ADHD. The suspension resulted from his lack of a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) for the medically prescribed medication, creating widespread debate about FIM anti-doping regulations.
This period marked a turning point in Stewart’s career. The suspension and surrounding controversy affected his return to full-time competition, contributing to his eventual decision to step away from professional racing. The incident highlighted the complex intersection of medical needs and professional sports regulations.
What Is James Stewart Jr. Doing Now?
Stewart formally retired from professional racing in 2019, ending speculation about potential comebacks. His retirement marked the conclusion of one of motocross’s most influential careers, but not the end of his involvement with the sport.
Since 2022, Stewart has worked as an on-camera commentator for AMA Motocross and Supercross championships, primarily for NBC Sports and Peacock, bringing his expertise and unique perspective to broadcast coverage. His commentary provides insights that only someone who revolutionized the sport could offer.
Stewart currently hosts the Bubba’s World podcast through the Bleav network, available on major podcast platforms including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, where he discusses supercross and motocross topics with industry figures and fans. The podcast allows him to maintain connections with the motocross community while sharing his knowledge with new generations of riders and enthusiasts.
His ongoing influence extends beyond commentary through his involvement with Seven MX, a motocross apparel company that continues his connection to the sport’s commercial and cultural aspects. This business venture demonstrates his continued commitment to the motocross community.
Regarding his personal life, Stewart maintains privacy about his marital status and whether he has children. While fans frequently ask about James Stewart Jr.’s wife and family details, he has chosen to keep these aspects of his life out of the public spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is James Stewart Jr.’s nickname?
A: James Stewart Jr.’s widely known nickname is “Bubba.”
Q: Is James Stewart Jr. still alive?
A: Yes, James Stewart Jr. is alive and actively involved in motocross as a commentator and podcast host.
Q: How many AMA Supercross championships did James Stewart Jr. win?
A: James Stewart Jr. won two AMA Supercross 450cc championships in 2007 and 2009, plus two 125cc championships.
Q: What is the “scrub” technique in motocross?
A: The “scrub” technique involves laying the bike nearly flat over jump faces to maintain speed while staying lower than traditional jumping methods.
Q: Who is James Stewart Jr.’s brother?
A: Malcolm Stewart is James Stewart Jr.’s brother and also a professional motocross racer.
Q: Why was James Stewart Jr. suspended in 2014?
A: Stewart was suspended for an anti-doping rule violation related to prescribed Adderall medication without proper exemption documentation.
Q: What is James Stewart Jr.’s racing number?
A: James Stewart Jr.’s iconic racing number was #7, leading to his “JS7” moniker.
Stewart’s Enduring Legacy in Motocross
James Stewart Jr. redefined what was possible on a motocross bike, combining unprecedented speed with technical innovation that fundamentally changed the sport worldwide. His influence extends far beyond race victories, encompassing technique development, diversity advancement, and cultural impact that continues shaping motocross across six continents.
The scrub technique remains a fundamental skill for competitive riders globally, demonstrating how one person’s innovation can become industry standard. Stewart’s approach to riding created a new paradigm that influenced training methods, bike setup, and competitive strategies from Europe to Australia to Asia.
His role as a barrier-breaking athlete opened pathways for greater diversity in motocross, creating lasting change that extends beyond his competitive career. Through his official social media presence on Instagram and X.com and continued involvement in the sport, Stewart’s legacy lives on through the riders he inspired and the techniques he pioneered, cementing his status as “The Fastest Man on Dirt” and one of motocross’s most transformative figures.
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