We continue with the MXM James Stewart Birthday special. Below is the second part of our exclusive interview with Stewart. Enjoy!
It is often said that it is much harder to stay number 1 than to become number 1. What do you think about that?
James Stewart: Sure, it’s not always easy to be at the top. In the US, there’s no one with as much pressure on their shoulders as I do. Just like it was for Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath or Stefan Everts. The whole world expects me to win as soon as I appear at the start somewhere. It’s not easy to deal with that. You see that in practice too. There are so many drivers who drive very well until they become number one. Without being able to maintain that status afterwards. I know what awaits me to maintain my position. And first of all, I hope to have a good time next season!
Like many kids you were constantly watching videos of the top riders to analyze their driving style. Do you still use video analysis now?
James Stewart: Absolutely I still watch a lot of videos, of myself but also of others. My mom films me a lot during races! I am always trying to learn…
Not only through your palmares, but also through your unique riding style you are writing MX history. Do you think that is important?
James Stewart: Sure, because it's always nice to be able to say that you've made your mark on the sport. That's what I live for, but Ricky Carmichael still holds a lot of records. Every generation of riders is different and everyone has their own goals. What matters to me most is winning races, winning championships and having fun on the bike. You know, Ricky's won more races than McGrath but Jeremy is even more in advertising now and I think he'll still be more popular in the States than Ricky. That's ultimately a business issue and that doesn't really concern me.
You were at the top at a very young age. That must have cost you a lot of sacrifices?
James Stewart: You wouldn't believe how much work goes into it. Most people have no idea how hard a pilot has to work to get to the highest level. In my case, I would say that I have very little time between physical training and motorcycle training. During the season, there are also races and test sessions with Yamaha in the weekends. For which I fly back and forth to California. In a busy period, I fly back and forth five or six times. Occasionally, people from Yamaha come to my house, but that only happens once or twice a year. After such a tough SX season, I am completely exhausted and the break came at a good time last year. But hey, that's how it has been for 20 years now..."
In Europe we sometimes compare you to Valentino Rossi. Unlike other pilots, you like to communicate with the public, to show how much fun you have on the bike and to win races.
James Stewart: I really like the contact with the fans. Especially during special races like the Supercrosses that I do in Europe. The audience is always super enthusiastic. Even more so than in the US. I was very disappointed that I had to cancel for Genoa and Brisbane (note: Stewart was struggling with over-fatigue last month and had to rest) but my health came first. During such a race I can get lost in the atmosphere. Very different from the US where I have to stay focused on the races. People there probably know a different James Stewart.
De AMA raises minimum age to get 'pro license' from 16 to 18. You were already pro at sixteen, what do you think of that rule?
James Stewart: I think it's a good rule. Just look at people in sports, film or show business who were stars at a young age. You see that things go wrong with a lot of young stars. Some even get into drugs. My situation was completely different because I had a good framework. If that's not the case, it's very difficult to go up to a young guy. At 18 you're already a bit more mature and you see a lot of things differently.
You have a lot of fans in Belgium and the Netherlands - as everywhere in the world. Is there anything else you would like to say to your supporters?
James Stewart: I have enormous admiration for Roger De Coster because he has achieved so much for the sport here in America. Roger once told me about motocross in Belgium and that there are so many MX fans with you. Hopefully there will be a Supercross in Belgium or the Netherlands where I can come and ride!
Thanks James!
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Credit photos: Chris Tedesco/Red Bull Photofiles, CDS, Yamaha Racing
