All change for Bubba
By TMX Archives on 11th May 12
James Bubba Stewart formerly with Joe Gibbs Racing, campaigning Yamaha machinery, is switching marques to Suzuki.
A press release from Yoshimura Suzuki Racing early this week explained that the team has signed the Supercross and Motocross champion, Stewart, to a multi-year contract effective immediately.
Stewart will compete in both AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross aboard the Yoshimura Suzuki RM-Z450 beginning with the first round of the 2012 AMA Pro Motocross Championship in Sacramento, California, on May 19.
Stewart, often called the "Fastest man on the planet,” comes to Yoshimura Suzuki with a long list of accomplishments.
The 26-year-old native Floridian has amassed six AMA Championships including two AMA Supercross titles and a perfect-season AMA Pro Motocross Championship.
He also has an FIM World Supercross Championship as well as two Motocross of Nations titles to his credit.
Stewart explains: "I'm really looking forward to joining the team. It's been a pleasure to get to test with these guys and meet the team.
"I'm very excited, I love the bike and ever since I rode it from day one I knew it was a great opportunity for me to come out and showcase my talent.
"With Mike Webb as the team manager and Don Sakakura, the president of Yoshimura Racing, it's been great what they've been doing.
"The whole team is phenomenal. We're all excited to get the ball rolling and see what we can do over the next few years. I just want to thank everyone at Yoshimura and American Suzuki for giving me this opportunity.”
"James is a great addition to our team,” explained Yoshimura Racing's Don Sakakura.
"He is an amazing rider and gifted athlete and we feel very fortunate to have him join Yoshimura Suzuki.
"We will do everything possible to help ensure his and the team's success.
"Our company has been built on racing and winning championships and we intend to keep that tradition alive with James and his incredible skill on a motorcycle.”
Team manager, Mike Webb, as well as long-time Team Suzuki mechanic, Lee McCollum and the rest of the Yoshimura Suzuki squad, will support Stewart in his run for the 2012 AMA Motocross Championship and beyond.
Said Webb: "We're extremely pleased with of James joining the Yoshimura Suzuki team.
"We all look forward to working with him and feel very confident we can provide him with the equipment that he needs to ride to his capability.
"We're working hard and we're very focused on getting ready for Hangtown and we're looking forward to the opener.”
Stewart will join Yoshimura Suzuki Racing team- mate Brett Metcalfe at the first round of the 2102 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown in Sacramento, California on Saturday May 19.
