Stewart will be aiming for the box this season. Image: Simon Cudby.

JDR/J-Star/KTM’s Malcolm Stewart hit the first round of the AMA East Coast Lites series with a bang, getting heated with rookie GEICO Honda rider Justin Bogle.

While battling for fourth position with Bogle in the Lites main event at Dallas, Stewart put an aggressive move on the rookie.

Which resulted in Bogle’s leg being caught in Stewart’s swingarm, taking them both down.

Bogle obviously not impressed with Stewart’s move, got up and slapped Stewart’s helmet. Words were also exchanged.

“We both came together, we’re both racing, and we’re fighting over that position.” Stewart told Racer X.

“Technically, we both came together and then his leg got stuck in it. I didn’t think his leg was going to get stuck in it, for sure. But it did and we split apart and kept going after that.”

“I felt I rode a solid race throughout the whole race. I got back up to sixth and just finished what I was supposed to do.”

“Unfortunately, I went down tonight but I’m going to regroup. I’m not too far back.”

“I’ve still got eight races, and a lot can change in eight races. I definitely want to hit the box and just focus on points.”

“I felt comfortable and I know I wasn’t too far off the guys, between me, [Ken] Roczen, and [Justin] Bogle. I definitely think my speed was there. We’re capable of the win and everything else. The speed was there tonight, just a little mistake by me.”

“I’ll take what I learn and I know I’m not going to win the race on the ground. Unfortunately, you always have to find that out that hard way. But like I said, [I’ll] learn from this weekend and take it to Atlanta so we can get on the box.”

Racer X reported that the AMA race officials sat both riders down after the race to discuss their actions and then fined each rider $500 for the on-track scuffle.

Bogle finished the main event in 14th position, both riders will be looking to improve on their results the next round in Atlanta, GA.