Monday Conversation with... James Stewart
Monday, January 17, 2011 | 12:05 PM
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PrintJames Stewart’s long road back to the top step of the podium is complete—it took exactly a year after his crash and wrist injury in Phoenix last year to finally taste victory again. But this win was a not a dominant performance, but more of a calculated, methodical victory on a very slippery track. He joined us for this week's Monday Conversation.
Racer X Online: Have you ever gone a full year, without winning a race? Is this like the longest stretch ever?
James Stewart (laughs) No, no I haven’t. I mean, seriously, if you start doing the math and adding up the numbers, it’s been like a year and six months, and I’ve won two races in that period, and I’ve only raced what, four times, five times? So it’s definitely been awhile, and I’ve been out of that race pressure for awhile. But tonight I felt like I handled it pretty good. Tonight, on this track, you just needed to ride around and see what happens. I ended up doing that and winning.
It is kind of weird. Last week you could make an easy argument that you were the fastest guy—the lap times showed that. You finished third, but tonight you won. Did you feel like you were the fastest guy tonight?
No, not at all. And I wasn’t even trying to be the fastest guy, for sure. In the heat race, I lost the front end in that corner right over there. I was like, “Dude, somebody’s gonna’ fall tonight.” So I knew someone was going to fall, and I knew if it wasn’t me, I’d have a pretty good chance of winning. So I really focused on my starts, and I wanted to nail that. I got that, I think it was me and Dub (Windham) coming through there, and that was pretty cool. I ended up pulling it off.
Even the minor crashes in supercross can teach you a lesson.
Cudby photo
So the heat race crash, that wasn’t caused by just one bad line for you? That could have happened on any corner on this track.
Dude, that could have happened walking your bike to the gate! It was that slippery. And Ryan actually slid out [in the main event] in a different spot, I was actually a little bit higher. Like I said, it was one of those races where you just needed to ride around and let it happen. So now we’ll go back, watch some tapes, and try to get better. But it feels good to be back.
Well yeah, let’s take a step back here. This long road back, you’ve won a race finally. It has to feel so good.
Oh yeah, especially after Unadilla. You know, I went there, and I got my butt kicked. And then last weekend at Anaheim, being so fast, but still not winning. It was like “What’s up with this?” This weekend we kind of had the opposite, we were struggling a bit, and we had to find a way to win. And Ryan, I think he had an awesome heat race, and he had a lot of confidence going into the main event. It does feel good to get a win for my team, and we’ll just build on this.
Phoenix was a lot better to James this year.
Cudby photo
Let’s go back to last week. When you first tried to lay down a fast lap in qualifying, in your first supercross healthy in a year, the number seven went to the top of the qualifying board. What did that feel like? Did you expect that to happen?
I thought it was broken.
What?
I thought it was broken!
No!
I’m not gonna’ lie. Because it was actually seven and then twenty-two. So I really thought it was broken then! Then I looked up again and it happened again! So I really thought something was up and someone was trying to mess with us. But then I saw the times after the heat race, so I caught up with the whole deal. But it’s going to be a tough season. It seems like it always takes me a few races to get going, well, not to get going, but to find my groove. Remember, the year I battled with Reed, at the beginning of the year there were a bunch of nights where he was faster than me, and I still ended up winning them. So hopefully it won’t be quite that hard at the beginning of this year, but we’ll find out.
Stewart's suspension looks much more dialed in this year.
Cudby photo
Well on the flip side of that, the last two years, your bike setup seemed off at the early rounds. But this year, the bike has looked good.
It’s really good. And that’s from the changes we made to the team. That’s has been key to my success so far. And I think we’re only going to get better. We still have a group of guys who are working together for the first time. So it’s good to get a win but hopefully from here we get better.
Okay, so are you just crazy pumped right now, like, “I’m finally back. This is finally over?” Or are you already in championship mode, just taking each race at a time, and not making too big a deal out of one win?
Well for sure, it feels good. Finally I’m back, finally I chalked up win number 38. It’s been a long time. So that’s good, but at the same time, if Ryan would have passed me tonight, I would have just let him go. I wouldn’t have been able to do anything with him. I know how we rode in the heat race, that it was going to be a tough main event. Things went my way tonight. A lot of that comes from working with Johnny (O’Mara) and the way he approaches things, and a lot of the guys on the team. We were just calm, cool and collected.
Last thing. We know how competitive you are. Was it just killing you to be hurt, to be watching these races and knowing if you could just get healthy you could get back out here and win races like this?
It was, for sure, tough. Once I got past a few weekends, I was okay, because I knew I was busted up and there was nothing I could do. Then, it actually started getting worse. It’s like you saw on my TV show, all I was doing was just waiting for this phone call that never came. Then I finally got a release, and we had a couple of weeks before Unadilla, and I thought we can do this. So I was feeling good, I thought I had at least one moto in me, and man, I rode my butt off there, and I got third, and then obviously in the second moto, I couldn’t go. So then after that we just were riding and riding, trying to get ready, and we showed up at Anaheim, rode my butt off again, and I got another third! Then tonight, I was just out there riding, and I got a win! (Laughs). So it was a little confusing at first but it feels good now.
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Hmmmm seems very humble. Did he finaly grow up?? I can't believe he would have let RV go.... Guess we will never know.
Stewart has had a strong showing for coming back after a year off. I think RV2 still would have won this race if that wash out would not have occured, he just looked faster and he was making gains JS7 each lap. I definitely believe JS7 would have turned it up a lot had RV2 caught him and we would have seen one hell of a race to the finish. So excited for some crazy racing coming up, keep it up JS7! mxsxplanet.com
What no question about the Data recording equipment? Wouldn't James allow it??? or just no cahone's to ask??
Lets see if focus and repitition make it happen . I will not jump on the 7 bandwagon.............. I will not jump on the 7 bandwagon..............I will not jump on the 7 bandwagon. Dangit ! Props to you and your team James. There I said it ! JimboMX374 CarlsbadCA
It was funny how he took a few seconds to respond to that question about traction control. Then he made the comment that the viewers must have just seen dirt on his bike. Just glad to see RV up to speed, would hate to see a one rider show all season.
Stewie is still the fastest, RV2 might win one, however Stewie is a racer who hates to get beat like the GOAT. Stewie was the only one to beat the GOAT straight up remember that.
@ a fan of the sport: Ok please DO NOT compare James to Ricky AKA the GOAT and for your record's CR22 has beat Ricky indoors straight up K-Dub has beaten him straight up outdoors so please know your facts before you compair James to the GOAT he's not even on the same page
Come on folks , give credit wher credit is due ! IMO the only traction control was in James mental approach, right hand and the teams dailed set up. Well that and the holey couldnt have hurt. To me 7 looked more in control than 2 and im RV homer.
We will see. Hope everyone stays healthy. I don't think RD1 is giving up, though. Stewart is going to have to work for it. No cake walk this year.
For Stewart to have a working traction control, the bike would need a front wheel speed sensor also.
I remember DV12 beating RC straight up at Indy SX , loudest crowd except for LaRocco's win in '04
RD might not be giving up but he needs to pick up the pase soon or he will be 20 points down if a few weeks. PS, When I say someone beat someone straight up to me it means he passed him and won.
Oh , and add Reynard, Dowd and Roncada to that list
Billc, Stewart didn't beat villo straight up?
He's a good guy right?? He has to be, He's a motocrosser!!! CONGRATS James!
a front speed sensor isn't required for traction control.
Let's hope they come up with a great track at LA. I bet Dungey comes to life this weekend! Hope Roczen is good to go, Congrats to James. It was nice to hear him a little more humble.
Hear that sound .......... its all the lames jumping off the 1 bandwagon. Maybe his conditioning and patience are better suited to TGO, Even then RV owned him in the lites class . IF RD1 probably doesnt get any higher than 3 or 4 at the end of SX and not much diff in MX ,he is still our SX / MX and MXDN champion
was waiting for them to ask about that "piece of dirt". Weige has no balls. cummon, I wanted to hear what he had to say while not "put on the spot". give him a day or 2 to think about how he explains it. but no. thanks weigandt
1. Maybe itâ
1. Maybe it is an anti-lock brake system, to keep the rear wheel from locking and killing the engine. 2. Or maybe it is an anti-stall system, it detects when the rear wheel is about to lock and it automatically slips the clutch. Or maybe its a combination of both 1 & 2. Maybe it is 1, 2 and also a Traction Control system. Maybe they will have a wireless system in time for Dodger Stadium so the other teams and nosy TV camera can not spot it.
Maybe it is just a wire they ran from the brake caliper along the brake line just to mess with everybody!
chromob Yes he did. Let me clarafi what i ment. EX: IMO Reed has never beaten JS straight up because the only times he has beaten him JS fell but JS has Passed and beaten Reed many times but Reed has never passed JS and pulled away for a win. Right or wrong thats how I discribe it.
Now if SJ fell and RV won Yes he beat him but not straight up, I know this sounds F ed up but if a guy falls it just clouds it for me. I whan to see them both not fall and see who wins. Does that make any sence? Probley not. LOL
Damn! Sum of these guys, i meant HATERZ wont let up,im sure the AMA would be on top of any illegal BS goin with L&M racing and their bike and to say u cant compare JS to THE GOAT?? Cmon wierdo, Bubba has changed the whole style of riding and has made a tremendous impact on motocross,RC gives this guy his props,listen to the commentary,RC owned him outdoors but in Supercross he couldnt keep up wit the kid!! Lets have a good season RV,RD,CR,JS and the rest of the pack,GO STEELERS!!!!!!!!!!
@Billc so by your logic BS7 has never won straight up either!! because I've yet to see a main where no one has fallen that would also mean that no one has won straight up
Pinned i thought i knew dumb until i read your comment's. Your about as smart as a rock!!!
TC will fit in the black box, nothing else required. there are several ways to skin this cat but, reading rpm & retarding the ignition when rpm happens too fast (predetermined) is all that is necessary to have "traction control". I'm not a JS fan but, I'm no hater either. For people to say he doesn't have it is naive. Why wouldn't any team want any perceived advantage other teams have? I'm not hating on JS for saying I want him held to the same standard I would be. I'd get caught by the way..........As far as whomevers comment about the AMA being on top of anything is just laughable. Have you ever entered an AMA sanctioned race? They can't even figure out what fuel is in spec. The AMA has a history, and it isn't for technical excellence.
Blah, Blah, Blah... WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TRACTION CONTROL! WE THE FANS WILL NOT STOP ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT IT UNTIL THEY ARE ANSWERED!
Who really cares? James won the race, they didn't cheat...Forget traction control.. What about cylinder head porting, different compression ratios...Custom transmissions and clutches. There's no secret that the Mitch Payton boys rip the holeshot everytime in the lites and has for years. Motocross teams ALL cheat to an extent. A sensor is not traction control, I've been a cycle mechanic for 12 years and there has to be more devices on a bike than what was shown to actually have TRU Traction control. Leave it alone people..He WON hats off to JS7
Let's not forget that the CRAPCAR owners own the rights to 2 wheeled ama racing!!! I PRAY THAT THE FRANCE ( idiots ) BROS DON'T MESS WITH THE RULES LIKE THE MESS WITH THE TURN LEFT &HIT;!!!! LET THEM RACE!!!!!
There more than likely was nothing illegal about that device as there is no good way to implement traction control for a motorcycle used in Supercross. The sensors would need to know what is coming up on the track and allow for it. For instance when going through the whoops it would need to allow the freerev of the rear tire from each whoop to help keep the front end airborne and allow for maximum rpm between whoops. It would also need to know that the bike was airborne if the rider wanted to have any gyroscopic control. It would also need to know how much kinetic energy is available from the clutch if it was being slipped and why. http://www.amasupercross.com/rules/pdf/2011/2011_sxrulebook_final.pdf Section 1.14 1.14 Telemetry and Traction Control a. Electronic devices designed specifically for traction control are prohibited. This includes sensors that can determine front wheel speed, and any electronic control to the brake systems. Notice that it says "Front wheel speed", there was a pretty good post about it over at www.supercross.com http://www.supercross.com/forum/1-pro-supercross-and-motocross-racing/434027-once-and-for-all-this-is-what-was-on-james-bike?limit=10&limitstart=10 Here's a link to the manufacturers site of the device. http://www.getdata.it/prodotti.php?idprodotto=33&idcategoria=32&lang=eng
Fuel Injection opens a host of opportunities for theses high budget teams. Anything is possible. Regardless I still see a top 5 riders that could holeshot on a given track with a given surface with a given setup and run away, the top 5 are that close. One guy will win it and deserve it with no asterisks but probably lots of debate. This is why I am a fan of the sport. Don't forget to attach a picture to your posts folks, the name usage on the boards here is ridiculous. unless there is a picture anyone (not even logged in) can use your name.
Larry Brooks has been in this business too many years and is not stupid enough to get his guy disqualified when he's finally racing again. Erin Bates needs a new gig because she is also clueless!!
Yes Erin Bates is Terrible! I would so much rather see you, Weege, being the on the ground reporter! Or put someone else in the box and Shaheen on the floor because that is where he belongs, Trust me!
This has probably been said, but don't the bikes go through tech inspection? If there were any red flags they would of been raised right there.
JAMES HAS HAD A LOT OF TIME TO THINK OVER THIS LAST YEAR. I THINK HE'S MATURED A LOT, YOU'VE GOT TO REALLY LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAY'S COMPARED TO THE SAME QUESTIONS HE ANSWERED LAST YEAR. LIKE CHAD REED SAID A FEW YEARS AGO " YOU HAVE TO BE IN IT TO WIN IT " HE'S FINALLY REALIZED YOU CANT WIN EVER RACE, AND SOME TIMES YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO GO FASTER.......
To get stealth traction control, my system would use the 2nd integral of the encoded wheel rotation (the acceleration of the acceleration) to retard the ignition if it exceeded a threshold (i.e. when it spins out suddenly). No front wheel sensor required, however I would have used a sensor in the transmition on the final drive shaft so it could not be easily seen on the brake caliper since they are connected by a chain. No front wheel sensor required, and full stealth!
What "Nuff Said" brings up makes alot of sense. I don't understand how traction control would work effectively anyway. As mentioned, you need free wheel spin in many cases in this sport. Either way, if the AMA wasn't checking into it before, you can bet that they are now with all of this banter. Oh well, this conspiracy theory atleast gives the haters something to talk about, now that the debate about JS being a "washed up has-been" is over.
Honda used traction control (rudimentary version) on the 1998 CR250R. Honda has different ignition curves for each gear on the 2008 CRF450R, Pro Circuit has eluded to developing TC for team Kawasaki and Honda had it on Andrew Shorts' bike last year. Because an inert device hanging off the bike is not TC does not mean there is no TC on the bike, duh. Whomever thinks it doesn't exist, please stop posting, I'm becoming dumber reading that nonsense.
Yes get Erin Bates and her stupid questions out, she really is terrible and besides this is not formula one.
First and foremost, I DO NOT buy into the "straight up" crap. They start at the same time on the same size bike and race the same track. EVERY win is straight up. And Reed beat Stewie more than a few times. The Indy race in 2009 comes to mind. Reed made up time and caught Stewie from behind, then Stewie went down with Reed on his rear wheel. Reed wins and Stewie got beat. How is that not straight up?? And secondly. All you guys who said Stewie was done, how do you feel now?? You guys know I am not a fan of Stewie, his attitude really sucks, he gets a few more wins and watch the dancing crap start again. But I have said all along that he isnt done and will get wins. It will continue also. But will any Stewie fans say now that RV2 was the fastest man oin the track?? He ran down Stewie from 4th place, he must have been faster right??
With all this nonsense on traction control I can see where it can be helpful in certain areas, but no very effective in supercross. The various obstacles would make a system like that go haywire most likely ending with an endo or some other huge crash. It makes me wonder why Joe Gibbs racing (with Bubba's old Mechanic), who specialize in Nascar (speed control) would even bring it up. I can guarantee that if SPEED never broadcasted their radio communication we would never even know about the issue.
Seriously, Silicon Sally (Erin Bates) has got to go. She just does not learn! The stupid questions and un-informed analysis continues from day one! What the hell does a guy say when he obviously comes up way short and eats $hit. "Well Erin, I saw this cool looking bug over there on the plywood and figured I'd get over there real quick to check it out before it ran under the stands." Are you kidding me! And the TC thing on 7's bike, not even LB is that stupid to blow a whole season with something so frikin obvious! Ever heard of a heat sensor on the brakes? Downloadable telemetry after the race? I'm sure that was the first James had heard of the whole thing when Caddy Bumbers hit him with the question on the podium. He didn't have a clue what she was talking about, hince the answer he gave. He doesn't work on the bike! He probably doesn't see that bike except on race day! I think we need Holley down there on that mic! He would have come up with an explaination in minutes for what JGR was obviously trying to stir up $hit over! And BTW, some of you really suck at writing!!!
He likely wasnt cheating, but when he said: "you guys are crazy. we were just havin fun. It obviously didnt help us out there." then says: "it wasnt anything, you probably just saw a piece of dirt." just sounds like a terrible lie. as for Erin Bates; I would.
Wouldn't traction control be a detriment in sandy and muddy conditions? How could something that retards acceleration be an advantage on inconsistent terrain? If there are any automotive engineers out there that are foolish enough to get sucked into these "conversations" please chime in!!
Just got confirmation from larry ward it was a traction control device....they are working on a press release now. nothing new, had them on my factory ktm.
I definitely fit in here
Sorry I didn't ask about the traction control (non) issue, we don't get to watch the live TV show in the press box or on the track so I didn't even know Erin asked about it until I watched the show the next day...and by then I had already interviewed Stewie. We've got Matthes on the case with a story on this deal tomorrow....stay tuned. - weigandt
JS7 just told me that it was a rear facing camera that shows him via a display in his factory spec oakley goggles how close his competitors are so he can roost them harder to make them back off or use all his tears offs.... when JS7 talks about reviewing videos in the truck this is what him & his team watch now & they sit around & drink cups of tea or cyto & have a merry old time .... just remember the holeshot button that yamaha had way back whenever it was just another way to get an edge now everyones got one of them even the local racers!!! good on JS7 for the win hope everyone stays healthy this year
The traction control device could be used only on the start, by having it shut off on the first down shift. Yamaha had a system years ago for their start ignition map. I do not think that they are using the weel speed indicator for the purpose of traction control it is way to obvious.
By simply retarding the ignition or altering the fuel map based upon instantaneous wheelspin, the bike can be made to feel more planted and more hooked up. It would be a confidence booster more than an actual performance gain. Altering the bike feel to the rider is what top level teams are all about.
I can't believe I read all these posts... This is what I love about racing though, the drama, the controversy, the favorites and the underdogs. I thought Blose was a little out of line in the LCQ, but I guess if you can't stand the heat get out of the kitchen.
C'mon guys; you really think Erin came up with that question on her own? If you do, you're dumber than she is. You KNOW it was fed to her by someone behind the control board. And people whine about stuff like this (her) until they get something new and realize how good they had it. Seriously, did anyone watch the SX races on NBC or CBS (or whatever) last year? Now THOSE were some dumb chicks! We have it pretty good, plus she don't hurt the eyes none, either!
Reed has NEVER beaten Stewart straight up and most of the time can't beat James when James crashes. TwoTwo (gay), should also have a asterik next to his championships in the record books because he's also never defeated a defending champ. Oh great race James, and whatever it is it's not traction control!
Yes it's cool we have live TV. Yes Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers is pleasent to look at, but I'm not looking for that crap when I'm watching Supercross. I want to hear from someone knowledgeable and she ain't it! The Monster girls out there is stupid! This ain't WWF we're watching here! Put Holley on that mic!!!
FAN OF THE SPORT, you must not be a big a fan as you think. Reed beat RC 6 supercross races in a row, Something Stewie has never done. And Windham beat RC outdoors as did Reed in one moto at the Des Nations in Budds Creek, so get your facts straight.
bd200.......i finally have someone on the same page as me. all wins are straight up like you said. its racing, a crash is a mistake that made you lose time, it's about getting to the finish line first, bottom line. Like we all know though, try reasoning with a Bubba fan. It's like talking to a wall. In their minds Stewart only wins straight up and when he loses he's never beaten "straight up" regardless of the circumstances. Villopoto has game and JS7 isn't untouchable, GET OVER IT.
Retardcross, thank you, I always feel like i'm the only one saying that JS7 is not invincible, i will give credit where credit is due, he's friggin fast, no doubt about it, but both RD5(aka #1 this season) and RV2 have stepped up and put him away.
Stewart could beat 99% of the world who are all riding whatever bikes they want and him on an 80. STFU and stop belly aching. He is better than the rest.....it's simple. I don't care how he acts, what he does or where he goes. He rides better and faster. That's what he does and that is all you need to be concerned with. Traction control.......Doesn't need it.
scoot459, the same asterisk that Stewie should have next to his titles?? He NEVER took a title from RC. Nothing until RC retired. So it goes both ways. Dont be such a one-sided person there. And it was a "traction control" device on his bike. Did you not read Pings post??
I just read all of these Posts- WTF? First- that was not Ping- Second- In all likelihood JS7 wasn't cheating, CBS/SPEED mad a public apology during the LA coverage- and lastly, JS7 has always been a winner- I am personally a fan of Bubba, and have been for a while. I don't think he is invincible, but he does win a lot- and if I recall correctly back when RC was on Honda and winning all those outdoors (i think that perfect season) people were complaining about Honda having an illegal swingarm or frame or something- so basically whoever is winning is going to get hated on. RV is fast as shit this season, definitely stepped up his game! I think that Reed and Dungey are both the same- they can win when the top 1 or 2 aren't racing or have crashed out. This is not to say that that they aren't talented and fast as well- ***** they are faster than anyone posting on this site that's for sure! I think everyone can agree that LA, as opposed to Pheonix, was a better race than we saw in all of 2010.