Could James “Bubba” Stewart ride for Factory Team Suzuki in 2012?
Initial report 8/29/2011. Updates below. Could James ” Bubba” Stewart ride for Factory Team Suzuki in 2012? That’s a question and rumor that seems to be buzzing around local Floridian turf lately. I am certainly not sure if there is any truth to it … but after hearing the rumor numerous times…and once again while at a motocrosser’s private compound yesterday (just 30 minutes away from JS7′s home), I cant help but start taking note. It certainly doesnt seem too far fetched a rumor. James Bubba Stewart is no doubt a legendary icon in the world of motocross racing. The fastest dirt bike rider in the world has stirred quite a lot of controversy within the last 24 months. Victory, defeat, crashes, injury, comebacks, emotions, flashes of unmatched speed, and an arrest, all dot bubba’s recent timeline. Unfortunately many have been slightly disappointed in Bubba’s overall results recently, including himself … simply because those results don’t reflect his amazing raw talent and speed, nor his past accomplishments. After an undefeated season aboard his Factory Kawasaki…Bubba has since been unable to meet that same height of success. Sure he has had a new TV show, a huge increase in fame, amazing comeback rides, and a 2009 Supercross title on his San Manuel Yamaha…but he definitely has not been ’unstoppable’ on his Yamaha like he was in the past on his Kawasakis. So what’s in the future now? Well, Larry Brooks was released from the San Manuel Yamaha team earlier this year, while James was stuck in a sea of bad luck. Wrist injury, an arrest, and a hard time adjusting to the new YZ chassis, have been a downer around the JS7 camp. Some claim an overall lack of focus. So, a brand new change could end up being a really good thing for the motocross legend. Could we finally be fortunate enough to have the favorite MX champion back on the outdoor circuit? We already know that Ryan Dungey’s contract will be ending this year…yet Suzuki hasn’t announced a replacement for those big shoes to fill? Villopoto is Kawasaki’s man again in 2012, and Team Honda seems locked with existing pro talent into 2012. Meanwhile, as discussed in an earlier Chronic MX post, KTM may likely crown Dungey as its newest team rider for 2012…so it seems reasonable to think that Suzuki could be one of the teams that James would choose if a change occurred. Team Suzuki’s mechanic, Mike Gosselaar, is one of the winning-est mechanics in the industry. Gosselaar matched with Stewart would be a potent combination. It worked well for Carmichael and Dungey in their quest for success…and the match up could work for James Stewart too. I doubt I could ever get used to Jame’s riding a yellow bike…but seeing his younger brother Malcolm on one already, is a start. I guess we will just have to wait and see what happens.
Update as of 9/30/2011…just out! It looks like Mike Gosselar may now actually be wrenching for Chad Reed’s Two Two Motorsports, while a ‘reorganization’ of some sort is taking place at Factory Team Suzuki. Meanwhile the rumors are still swirling about James Stewart riding a Suzuki in 2012… however it seems that it may turn out to be a joint venture between Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR Motorsports) and Suzuki! It will be exciting to finally hear an announcement!
Update as of 10/18/2011…Just in: thanks to one of our fans, an apparent insider named “mudman”, it seems that JGR is indeed planning to work with JS7 in 2012 as mentioned as a possibility. “Mudman” however comments to us that Bubba will remain on his Yamaha and not go to Suzuki! No one can confirm this…but I am sure some sort of announcement will be coming soon…read more about this update here:
Update as of 4/17/2012 …Seems like there’s surprise friction back at the JGRMX camp. Bubba isnt breaking records as expected, nor is any laughter in their pits. The JGR team’s results havent been too spectacular. Millsaps has actually proven the glimmer of hope. Davi’s having solid rides and podium finishes, showing solid momentum. But where’s Js7? …
Update as of 05/04/2012 …It is confirmed that James Bubba Stewart will show up to the starting gate at Hangtown on a Team Yoshimura Factory Suzuki! Looks like bubba might not be ready for NASCAR afterall! He has split from JGR and signed a mutual release. See the full details by clicking the link below. We may finally get to see Bubba ride the outdoors again, like that #7 Kawasaki railing those berms! Only this time he will be on a yellow bike. Seeing Bubba at the outdoors no matter what color the bike, is much better than watching his reality shows. I’m ready for him to get back to business.
http://chronicmx.com/james-bubba-stewart-to-leave-joe-gibbs-jgrmx-to-race-for-team-factory-suzuki/
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Cheers, Chronic MX | Motocross For Life.
Otis
It would definitely be interesting to see Bubba on a Zuke! Why not? Chris pretty much covered all the brands and what’s going on with them for 2010, sounds like a solid rumor to me! I say we go with it!!
Just MY opinion, but even IF Zuke offered Dungey a contract extension….WHY would he do it with the way his SX and MX has gone this year?! I prefer Zukes over all other brands, but this year, I feel that TEAM (NOT bike) has hurt Dungey. Dude can ride!! He sure proved it @ Southwick!!
Jennifer
Go Bubba! Who you ride for won’t matter to me! You are the best!
good new
Good, that blue tractor don’t mesh with bubba’s style, the Zuke is more similar to the kxf than any other bike so bubba will ride it good.
YounAaron
Suzuki is my Favorite brand and their rider Dungey took Favorite rider when he stepped it up in the lites class. Hate everything about this unless Dungey lands in the TWO TWO Motorsports Rig. It makes sense who else do u let Ryan Dungey go for NO ONE except James Stewart which to me looks like a Gamble at this point
fast97
James go for the change u need it so u can get back on TOP # 1
Chris
So first off “Factory” Rockstar Makita Suzuki, no longer exists! Rockstar and Makita pulled out of the race team. They are however in negotiations with Yoshimira to do a Suzuki “backed” race team! Some people think that JGR may be a possible supporter of the Yoshimira Suzuki “backed” Team!
Second, Dungey is NOT going to Two Two. Alot of people say that he wants to be with Decoster, I think that KTM is a very very good potential for Dungey! I work at a suzuki dealership, and our rep is pretty good about telling us whats going on with the race team, he has not mentioned anything about Stewart going to Suz, but I have heard alot about it from other people!
Chris
I tried to find the link to MotocrossActionmag.com that announced the dis-banding of Rockstar Makita Suzuki, but cannot find it anymore! I will keep looking at post it if I find it!
Chris
I tried to find the link to MotocrossActionmag.com that announced the dis-banding of Rockstar Makita Suzuki, but cannot find it anymore! I will keep looking at post it if I find it!
Chris
Read the article that Racer X wrote, I was not too far off about James Stewart, like I said I believe that Rockstar and Makita pulled out, so I am pretty sure that the semi and the team will be looking a little different!
Rocket 88
Thanks Chris! You were on target for sure. Looks pretty much like james Stewart will be pairing up with JGR and Suzuki!!!! Wow…that will be pretty cool. Only time will tell…lets wait and see which of these rumors becomes fact
Chris
Love my sport, I read all the news that I can! Its def gonna be an interesting year with Dungey making his move to KTM “official” earlier today! The controversy between L&M Racing and stewart, L&M racing is trying to look optimistic to 2012, but so much of their future is up in the air! They dont even know if Yamaha will be backing their race team, they dont even know what riders they will have! Then RUMORS of TwoTwo Motorsports leaving honda!
Its gonna be a GREAT season!
Rocket 88
We agree with you 100% Chris…it’s going to be a really great season in 2012 for sure!!!! YOU called it…and we had the hunch too, Dungey to KTM!!! I bet Roger DeCoster is pumped right now. Lets wait and see what the heck happens with Stewart, and L&M too. Keep us posted…you know your stuff….you are a ‘Chronic MXer’ for sure!
Chris
Read the article that Racer X wrote, I was not too far off about James Stewart, like I said I believe that Rockstar and Makita pulled out, so I am pretty sure that the semi and the team will be looking a little different!
Rocket 88
Thanks Chris! You were on target for sure. Looks pretty much like james Stewart will be pairing up with JGR and Suzuki!!!! Wow…that will be pretty cool. Only time will tell…lets wait and see which of these rumors becomes fact
Chris
Love my sport, I read all the news that I can! Its def gonna be an interesting year with Dungey making his move to KTM “official” earlier today! The controversy between L&M Racing and stewart, L&M racing is trying to look optimistic to 2012, but so much of their future is up in the air! They dont even know if Yamaha will be backing their race team, they dont even know what riders they will have! Then RUMORS of TwoTwo Motorsports leaving honda!
Its gonna be a GREAT season!
Rocket 88
We agree with you 100% Chris…it’s going to be a really great season in 2012 for sure!!!! YOU called it…and we had the hunch too, Dungey to KTM!!! I bet Roger DeCoster is pumped right now. Lets wait and see what the heck happens with Stewart, and L&M too. Keep us posted…you know your stuff….you are a ‘Chronic MXer’ for sure!
Chris
Read the article that Racer X wrote, I was not too far off about James Stewart, like I said I believe that Rockstar and Makita pulled out, so I am pretty sure that the semi and the team will be looking a little different!
Rocket 88
Thanks Chris! You were on target for sure. Looks pretty much like james Stewart will be pairing up with JGR and Suzuki!!!! Wow…that will be pretty cool. Only time will tell…lets wait and see which of these rumors becomes fact
Chris
Love my sport, I read all the news that I can! Its def gonna be an interesting year with Dungey making his move to KTM “official” earlier today! The controversy between L&M Racing and stewart, L&M racing is trying to look optimistic to 2012, but so much of their future is up in the air! They dont even know if Yamaha will be backing their race team, they dont even know what riders they will have! Then RUMORS of TwoTwo Motorsports leaving honda!
Its gonna be a GREAT season!
Rocket 88
We agree with you 100% Chris…it’s going to be a really great season in 2012 for sure!!!! YOU called it…and we had the hunch too, Dungey to KTM!!! I bet Roger DeCoster is pumped right now. Lets wait and see what the heck happens with Stewart, and L&M too. Keep us posted…you know your stuff….you are a ‘Chronic MXer’ for sure!
filipe
bubba you go team suzuki 2012?
filipe
bubba you go team suzuki 2012?
filipe
bubba you go team suzuki 2012?
Kelly
James still doesn’t know his plans for 2012 says his website and Suzuki said they will be a ONE man team in 2012 with Brett Metcalfe they announced that as well…… so that fact is if James goes yellow it wont be a factory ride…. So maybe u should stop listening to bs rumors and actually read real news
Rocket 88
Hah! Bogus thinkiing for one big reason…there was no news back when this post was written
LOL…you overlooked that it was written over 2 months ago, prior to any news, only rumors! 
Braaaaaap
Kelly
James still doesn’t know his plans for 2012 says his website and Suzuki said they will be a ONE man team in 2012 with Brett Metcalfe they announced that as well…… so that fact is if James goes yellow it wont be a factory ride…. So maybe u should stop listening to bs rumors and actually read real news
Rocket 88
Hah! Bogus thinkiing for one big reason…there was no news back when this post was written
LOL…you overlooked that it was written over 2 months ago, prior to any news, only rumors! 
Braaaaaap
Kelly
James still doesn’t know his plans for 2012 says his website and Suzuki said they will be a ONE man team in 2012 with Brett Metcalfe they announced that as well…… so that fact is if James goes yellow it wont be a factory ride…. So maybe u should stop listening to bs rumors and actually read real news
Rocket 88
Hah! Bogus thinkiing for one big reason…there was no news back when this post was written
LOL…you overlooked that it was written over 2 months ago, prior to any news, only rumors! 
Braaaaaap
2012kx250f
james on a suzuki would kill the suzuki name the only time i think james was ever good was when he was on a 2 stroke when they all went to 4 strokes big changes went down and after that i belive it was vilopoto and reed that really stepped up.:) Braaaaaap grggarggaragargggragggra and yes that was a panic rev!
2012kx250f
james on a suzuki would kill the suzuki name the only time i think james was ever good was when he was on a 2 stroke when they all went to 4 strokes big changes went down and after that i belive it was vilopoto and reed that really stepped up.:) Braaaaaap grggarggaragargggragggra and yes that was a panic rev!
MudMan
JGR already has a new deal in place with Yamaha and have had it for the last 6 weeks. Yamaha will be chipping in on JS7′s salry with JGR. Deal is not quite done yet, but will be soon…Now, no more rumors!
MudMan
JGR already has a new deal in place with Yamaha and have had it for the last 6 weeks. Yamaha will be chipping in on JS7′s salry with JGR. Deal is not quite done yet, but will be soon…Now, no more rumors!
Rocket 88
Thanks Mudman…we’ll post your update to our post…especially since you insist it is not a rumor!
Rocket 88
Thanks Mudman…we’ll post your update to our post…especially since you insist it is not a rumor!
troy trombley
no hes not already signed a new contract with yamaha but the toyota division…
troy trombley
no hes not already signed a new contract with yamaha but the toyota division…
RD4EVERS
I find it quite interesting that more people are worried about where stewart was going to sign than the fact one of the most powerful teams in our industry is falling apart. First Fisher is fired from Kawi, (no doubt that it had to do with the controversial FMF engery drink and all that jazz) and now (as rumors have it) that Rockstar and Makita are pullung out of the Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki team leaving a Yoshi/Suzuki team. With Goose now also leaving the team (confirmed on CR22′s team), and Decoster gone now for 2 years(And most definatly not going back, unless Dungey convinces him too), the most powerful team is now looking more like a supped-up priveeter effort. Is this whats in-store for Monster/Kawi. with Fisher gone? The Silly Season is still in full swing, even though its nearly Anahiem 1. Pro Circut is still swinging strong, that seems to be the only “normal” thing going on this year. Whats dramatic event is going to shock the industry next?
RD4EVERS
I find it quite interesting that more people are worried about where stewart was going to sign than the fact one of the most powerful teams in our industry is falling apart. First Fisher is fired from Kawi, (no doubt that it had to do with the controversial FMF engery drink and all that jazz) and now (as rumors have it) that Rockstar and Makita are pullung out of the Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki team leaving a Yoshi/Suzuki team. With Goose now also leaving the team (confirmed on CR22′s team), and Decoster gone now for 2 years(And most definatly not going back, unless Dungey convinces him too), the most powerful team is now looking more like a supped-up priveeter effort. Is this whats in-store for Monster/Kawi. with Fisher gone? The Silly Season is still in full swing, even though its nearly Anahiem 1. Pro Circut is still swinging strong, that seems to be the only “normal” thing going on this year. Whats dramatic event is going to shock the industry next?
tyler pope
thank you. pro circuit will deff be dominating this year with them having a 450cc team and all
tyler pope
thank you. pro circuit will deff be dominating this year with them having a 450cc team and all