San Manuel's James Stewart Pulls Out Top Ten at Daytona
March 7, 2011, 2:00pm
Daytona, FL-Team San Manuel Yamaha Red Bull’s James Stewart pulled out a top ten finish at Daytona after one of the most courageous rides of his career. Stewart started the day off well, posting the fastest lap times in practice and taking on sections of the technical track in ways no other rider would try. In Heat 2, Stewart moved quickly into second when midway through lap two, he lost his front end and quickly remounted in eighth place. With three laps to go, Stewart rocketed his way into first place with his signature speed, taking his Heat race win. As the gates dropped for the Main Event, Stewart grabbed the holeshot and led the first four laps looking unstoppable. However, Stewart made a critical error while approaching a rhythm section that resulted in a spectacular crash. In true champion spirit, Stewart remounted and returned to the race, working his way from last to an incredible ninth place finish, salvaging precious points in the race for the Championship.
“Daytona’s track has always been challenging,” Stewart said. “I had a few challenges, but felt good for the most part. I was off to a good start in the Main, but that crash really set me back. I knew I had to keep going if I wanted to keep it close for the Championship. I’m a little sore, but I’ll be ready for Indy.” Stewart still maintains second place in the series with 173 points, now 23 points shy of the lead.
Stewart’s teammate Kyle Regal was unable to participate in Daytona’s race, due to breaking his wrist during practice earlier that week. Regal will be out for the rest of the Supercross series, but will continue to be a part of Team San Manuel.
A very talented and promising new member of the Team San Manuel program, Regal has posted excellent results in what would be his first full year competing in the Supercross Series, where he’s consistently qualified for the Main Event every week. News of his injury comes with both disappointment on the riders behalf and words of encouragement from all of the Teams sponsors who recognize his great potential as a rider. “We value his contribution to the program to date and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery” said a representative of San Manuel.
“Daytona’s track has always been challenging,” Stewart said. “I had a few challenges, but felt good for the most part. I was off to a good start in the Main, but that crash really set me back. I knew I had to keep going if I wanted to keep it close for the Championship. I’m a little sore, but I’ll be ready for Indy.” Stewart still maintains second place in the series with 173 points, now 23 points shy of the lead.
Stewart’s teammate Kyle Regal was unable to participate in Daytona’s race, due to breaking his wrist during practice earlier that week. Regal will be out for the rest of the Supercross series, but will continue to be a part of Team San Manuel.
A very talented and promising new member of the Team San Manuel program, Regal has posted excellent results in what would be his first full year competing in the Supercross Series, where he’s consistently qualified for the Main Event every week. News of his injury comes with both disappointment on the riders behalf and words of encouragement from all of the Teams sponsors who recognize his great potential as a rider. “We value his contribution to the program to date and wish him all the best for a speedy recovery” said a representative of San Manuel.
