Official Kawasaki PR: Stewart Out of U.S. Open

October 12, 2007, 8:39pm

LAS VEGAS (October 12, 2007) – Monster Energy Kawasaki’s James Stewart and team decided Friday not to take part in this weekend’s U.S. Open at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

After completing a five-lap sighting of the track and two 15-minute practice sessions Friday afternoon, Stewart felt that it would be best to sit out this weekend’s race.

“First of all, I’m 100-percent healthy,” said Stewart. “I am fully recovered from my knee injury but the problem is that I haven’t been riding consistently and I just got back on the bike a few weeks ago. If I get tired, there is a greater chance of getting hurt and I would rather be healthy going into Anaheim I. Racing is also really mental and I haven’t had the time to prepare since we decided that I would race just two days ago. It’s not worth going out and getting hurt. Defending my supercross championship is definitely really important to me.”

He added, “I’m really sorry for all the fans that will be disappointed but I hope they can understand. It’s a hard decision, especially since I do want to race. But I’m really looking out for my safety and I hope they can see why I made this decision.”