2008 U.S. Open Champion - James Stewart
By Denny Hartwig

The 2008 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open marked a time of change for James Stewart. Since turning pro in 2002, Stewart rode under the Factory Kawasaki tent. Following the 2008 AMA Motocross Championship, where he won his first title and captured 24 of 24 moto wins, he moved to the San Manuel Yamaha team.

Stewart and his new team manager, Larry Brooks, used the Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open not only as the debut for the new team, it was also Stewart’s first indoor race since he suffered a season-ending knee injury during the third race of the 2007 AMA Supercross championship in January.

At the 2006 race inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Stewart swept both nights of racing en route to his first Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open title. During the two-night race, Stewart beat defending Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open champion Ricky Carmichael.

With little time on the bike, Stewart didn’t know what to expect at the 2008 Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open.

“We don’t know what to expect this weekend; it’s more of a race to test the bike,” said Stewart. “It’s unrealistic to say we are going to come here and dominate. I am going to do my best. I will say that I saw Ricky Carmichael come here a few years back on a new Suzuki, and he didn’t win, but came out at Anaheim 1 and waxed everyone.”

Although Stewart didn’t put too much pressure on himself to win, he looked forward to the incentives built into the $250,000 Trifecta bonus program that included $10,000 for earning the holeshot award.

“I want to lose some money on the black jack table and win it back when I win that 10 grand on the holeshot I think overall this is a fun race and a lot of money on the line.”

To make things more interesting, the bike that Stewart would race was arch-rival Chad Reed’s bike from 2008.

“The bike is solid. I feel more comfortable on the Yamaha because it is not rigid (as his old Kawasaki). They both have good characteristics. It is going to be a lot of work to get the bike better. So far I feel really good, and by the time I work out all of the bugs and get it suited to my style, the change will not be noticeable.

On Friday night, Stewart won the $10,000 superpole, holeshot and the main event, setting himself up for the $250,000 payday on Saturday night if he repeated his performance. Reed, who was also on a new Suzuki bike, crashed and suffered some mechanical problems, which led to him withdrawing from the race.

“I was able to get through the first turn clean,” said Stewart. “Everything worked out to my advantage tonight, and I am really lucky. I need to get some good sleep tonight and come back strong tomorrow.”

Stewart’s Friday night performance set the stage coming into Saturday night’s main event. Once again, he won the superpole, which put him two steps away from claiming the $250,000 Trifecta bonus award. When the gate dropped for the open class main event it was Reed that put an end to the hopeful $250,000 for Stewart when he scored the $10,000 holeshot.

Reed led the first 16 laps before suffering a major crash that allowed Stewart to move into the lead and the eventual win. Stewart won the second Rockstar Energy Drink U.S. Open of his career and jump started his new venture for Team San Manuel Yamaha.

“I wanted to come here and do well for the team,” said Stewart. “I was lucky that Chad made a mistake for me. It was a great night and I am glad that we put on a great race for the fans.”