Stewart grew up in the Orlando suburb of Haines City, Fla., where his family owns 40 acres of farmland. He would follow his father (James Sr.) around, learning the tricks of being a farmer. In addition to mastering the skills of tractors and heavy equipment, James Jr. also found time to try his hand at riding one of the family's two-dozen or so cows. Needless to say, riding Kawasaki motorcycles and cows have very little in common.

Motocross racing is a "family affair" for the Stewarts. Father James Sr. is a former local motocross racer, while younger brother Malcolm, 8, is a "rising star" in the Florida motocross racing scene. Stewart's mother, Sonya is the only Stewart not racing, although she attends enough races to be a motocross "expert."

• the Best rookie season in AMA MX history (2002).
• Most wins (10 of 12) in 125cc AMA MX history (2002)
• First African-American AMA Champion (2002).
• Seven time Loretta Lynn's champion.
• Multi-time GNC finals champion.
• Multi-time World Mini champ.
• Multi-time Florida state champ.

The Stewarts have added two professionally groomed race tracks to their property, including a state-of-the-art Supercross track and an "outdoor-style" motocross track. James Jr. can be found just about every afternoon honing his skills at his personal practice facility.

The Stewarts are friends with Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey and his family. James Jr. rides regularly with Griffey's son Trey. Griffey and Reds teammate Barry Larkin are avid motocross fans and can be found riding motocross during the off-season.

Stewart wears #259 in honor of his friend Tony Haines, an ex-Florida racer who was paralyzed in a motocross accident. Haines, who used to race with #259, is now an aspiring musician who is listed as one of Stewart's favorite hip-hop artists.

James Stewart's Racing Background:

Stewart Began racing at the age of 4. He first rode an ATV at age 3. He spent his entire amateur racing career with Kawasaki Team Green™, dating back to 1993. He was lightning fast aboard a Kawasaki KX60 at just 7 years old.

Steward holds the record for most career amateur national championships. In 2001, he claimed his 11th AMA Amateur National Championship, surpassing Ricky Carmichael as the all-time winningest amateur rider.

On Jan. 2002, James Jr. was old enough to enter his first 125cc Supercross. James amazed fans and critics alike, winning event after event. Unfortunately he was plagued by mechanical failures, forcing him to forfeit several races and costing him points. James still managed to earn 2nd place, 7 points below first.

James' 2002 motocross season was spectacular. James became the youngest 125cc AMA national champion in MX history. During the 2002 MX season he also became the first African-American AMA Champion, earned the most wins (10 of 12) in 125cc AMA MX history, and had the best rookie season in MX history. (beating Carmichael's record of 9 wins)

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