http://www.motoonline.com.au/2016/02/03/stewart-rules-racing-out-for-the-foreseeable-future/ I'm no brain surgeon but like I've stated for YEARS past he should stop/retire. If he were somehow tested I'm sure he has permanent damage from concussions. I bet his motor reflex functions are compromised (but still better by far than average guys). I worry for the guy. He should hand the gauntlet to Malcolm and shelve the helmet and boots. The guy who was the fastest mx man on planet also had some of the gnarliest head banging crashes. Don't come back James, live your life and have fun you worked hard and risked a lot to get that bankroll, go live it.
I agree, time to hang it up. It's sad to see him struggling and floundering. It seems like since he got busted it's been down hill. He's shown some speed again recently, but no way he's catching RD or even keeping up with the current top 5 for more than a lap or 2. Time to retire
Just like in cycling - once busted, it takes time for their doctor to find a different cocktail that works for him. Sometimes they never get it right...
To me it looks like the crazy drive to win is gone or maybe just smarter now and dont want to do permanent damage... I like Stewy because like Pastrana he brought the spot up a level by his shear creativeness.... Hope he can stick it out but not sure he can come back and cruise around in 5th place and be happy....
It's a shame. THE fastest guy on a dirt bike ever in my eyes. I think no matter how physically fit he can get, he'll still need a good shrink to get him to focus for a complete season.
It is a shame to see his career come to an end like this. I was as big a Stewart fan as you could find back in the day. But the last 5 years it has become tougher and tougher to get excited for James Stewart news. A few bad decisions, (bubbas world tv show, not racing the nationals, the police light thing, adderall suspension) have somewhat marred my opinion of James. I still cheer for James when he is on the track, but lately that is almost never. Every year there is some type of buildup and excitement for the latest James return/comeback with little to no results to back up the hype. I too wish he would call it a day and hang up his leathers for good. He had an amazing career and made us all do a face palm and say "no way he just did that". He could do things none of us thought possible and make it look easy. That's the James I want to think of. He should get out with the health he has left.
Was he really the fastest guy on dirt? I always viewed him as just willing to take more risks than most, which catches up sooner or later. Like now.?
Part of me would like to see him get in a few more good rides, it is a thing of beauty when he is on his game, and I believe he could pull off a few more. But, he has hit the ground really hard too many times and it would be better for him in the long run to call it a day.
personally I think he was one of them..... He did stuff that others pay attention.... only other guy that make people go hmmm was pastrana....
I liked the guy best in his KX125 days at the Nationals... example here. View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glx8JMSGLks
and more thoughts........balance, timing and feel......just the thing getting away from him big time. I really hate to say it...but perhaps the AMA (or whatever sanctioning body) may need to have some sort of further testing (mental/reflex/scientific) done to assess for the Pro licenses. http://motocrossactionmag.com/motocross-actions-videos/see-it-here-james-stewarts-big-daytona-crash
When we were at San Diego, he just didn't have the mojo nomo. He didn't even finish his heat race. I think he has a bright future as a team manager and talent scout or trainer. He's got the skills to show the up and coming guys techniques on the track and not just on a white board or showing video clips.
I think we will see an updated test in the future. The test they use now (impact?) is the first test they have ever used as far as I know. Like all things it will evolve and get fine tuned to work better for these athletes.
Stewart's problem wasn't coming back too soon. It was coming back. He's been crashing way too much for at least 3 years now. I'm a big JS7 fan, but the fastest man on the planet's days of competing are behind him. He's at best able to make a difference in one or two races a year, he's never a contender for the championship. Time to hang it up, James. Save your head, save some dignity.
