With his long-time association with Kawasaki coming to an end, multi-time AMA Motocross and Supercross champion James Stewart announced his move to the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/L&M Racing Supercross team. Stewart and his new teammate, Kyle Chisholm, will compete next year aboard Yamaha YZ450Fs in the Supercross class. Here is the official press release from Yamaha.
Yamaha Motor Corporation is most pleased and excited to welcome James Stewart and Kyle Chisholm to the Yamaha Championship Family for the 2009 season as part of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/L&M Team.
A six time AMA MX/SX Champion James brings a level of excitement to everything he does that is unrivaled in the world of Motocross and Supercross. With tremendous character and charisma on and off the track Stewart could easily be compared to Yamaha’s own 8 time Road Racing World Champion Valentino Rossi. Considered to be one of the best to ever throw a leg over a motorcycle, James comes off a perfect season and has high expectations for his new bike and team for the 2009 season.
“When I decided I was ready for a change I definitely knew I wanted to ride a Yamaha”, said James Stewart. “I called San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/L&M Team Owner Larry Brooks and was really happy he was able to make it all happen”.
Teammate and fellow Florida native, Kyle Chisholm was a top amateur just a few years ago and at 6’ tall is the right size to make his pro debut in the Supercross Class on a YZ450F. “I know I face a tough challenge, but I’m really excited about riding a YZ450F and proving myself in the Supercross class”, said new team member Kyle Chisholm.
“Our relationship with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians/L&M Team has been great”, said Racing Division manager Keith McCarty. “With a Supercross Championship in 2008 and the addition of James and Kyle for 2009, we’re sure it will be an exciting season”.
Both Stewart and Chisholm will be racing Supercross on the new Yamaha YZ450F.
