Malcolm Stewart is focused on his debut 450 outdoors campaign with TLD Lucas Oil Honda. Image: Simon Cudby.

TLD Lucas Oil Honda has drafted Malcolm Stewart to fill its vacant 450 seat after regular rider Christian Craig was forced out of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross season with a broken wrist.

Craig was injured at the Supercross season finale in Las Vegas, opening the door for Stewart to join the team for what will be his 450 class debut.

The move will see Stewart line up at the start gates from this weekend onwards against older brother James for the first time, a prospect he is excited at.

“The opportunity to ride for TLD presented itself at a great time for me,” said Stewart. “I’m really enjoying the bike and am looking forward to competing against some great riders in the 450 class this season.

“It’s a dream come true for me to be able to race against my brother. I’ve been looking forward to this my whole life, so I’m definitely going to make it count!”

Craig’s misfortune fell in favour of Stewart, who was left with few options for the outdoors when the JDR Motorsports operation he had been riding for closed its doors.

TLD Lucas Honda team manager Tyler Keefe said Stewart was a good fit for the team with Craig undergoing rehabilitation on the sidelines.

“I’ve been watching Malcolm ride for the past few years,” said Keefe. “I’ve been impressed with his talent and speed and know what he’s capable of doing.

“I thought that bringing him over in Christian’s absence would be a good opportunity for both he and us.”

Stewart’s first race for the team will be at Hangtown this Saturday, 18 May, the first of the outdoor series’ 12 rounds.