YAMAHA RACING:

World Champion Yamaha rider James ‘Bubba’ Stewart is set to take on his fiercest rival Chad Reed at the final round of Super X in Brisbane on December 5, 2009.

Stewart has never been to Australia and is looking forward to going head to head with Reed in what is being billed as the most entertaining Supercross race ever held outside the USA.

“When the opportunity came up to race in Super X in Australia I didn’t think twice. I have never been or raced there before and I am really looking forward to taking on Chad in his country. It will be a great race and we will both be going for it,” explains Stewart.

Yamaha Motor Australia is looking forward to welcoming the 23 year old from Haines City, Florida when he arrives Down Under.

“James Stewart is the best dirt bike rider of his generation whose winning performances highlight the capability of Yamaha’s YZ450F,” said YMA Director and General Manager Steven Cotterell.

“He will prove a valuable drawcard for the Super X Brisbane round and we look forward to welcoming him to Australia. We would like to thank James and his management team, Yamaha US and Global Action Sports for making this happen.”

In his first year with Yamaha, Stewart rode his YZ450F to an AMA and World SX Championship and forged a milestone by becoming the first rider to give Yamaha 11 victories in one season. His on-track rivalry with Reed – who won the tilte in 2008 on a YZ450F –  is etched in Supercross folklore.

“I have a lot of respect for Chad (Reed) and our rivalry only makes us race better and is great for the sport. This year was the toughest I ever had to fight to win a championship, which made the victory even sweeter,” said Stewart.

Stewart is interrupting his busy pre-season schedule to embark on a ‘world tour’ which starts at the Bercy Supercross in Paris, continues with the Genoa Supercross in Italy and climaxes with Super X in Brisbane.

Yamaha Motor Australia Manager, Motorsports Division, Ray Howard said Stewart would strengthen a solid lineup of YZ450F riders in the Open class.

“Yamaha riders challenged Chad Reed on a number of occasions last year, in particular Jay Marmont who claimed a sensational win in Townsville,” said Howard.

“James Stewart adds further firepower to our lineup and we’re very excited about welcoming him to Australia ahead of the Brisbane event.”