Source: Suzuki Racing.

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing has re-signed James Stewart in a multi-year agreement, confirming that he will finish out the final years of his career on board an RM-Z450.

Stewart has been sidelined through the 2015 season following a positive drug test last year, unable to return to racing until mid-August when his 16-month suspension handed out by the FIM expires.

However Suzuki has stuck by the two-time AMA Supercross and triple national champion, signing him to a long-term contract. The extent of the deal wasn’t announced.

“I’m happy to finish out my career with Suzuki,” Stewart said. “The team has been very supportive and I can’t wait to get back on that bike and be around my guys each weekend. I’m really looking forward to coming back to racing.

“Since I was forced to step away for a time it’s made me realise how much I miss it and how much I want to be there. I still have that competitive spirit and want to get back and give my all in the final years of my career. I also thank all the fans and sponsors who’ve stuck by me. I’m ready to race – I can’t wait to see that first gate drop.”

Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing team manager Mike Webb has also confirmed that Blake Baggett will return for a second season with the team in 2016.

“We’re very happy to put this agreement together with James,” explained Webb. “Even when he wasn’t racing this past year, he’s been very supportive to the team and Suzuki and has been instrumental in helping develop the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450. With James joining Blake, we’re looking forward to having a full stable of strong riders for 2016.”

Stewart will return to competition at the end of the year, scheduled to contest the Red Bull Straight Rhythm, Monster Energy Cup and Australia’s AUS-X Open in Sydney.