James Stewart Jr., also known as “Bubba Stewart,” is a retired American professional motocross racer. He is widely recognized as one of the most talented and influential riders in motocross history. His unique riding technique and dominance on the track earned him the title “the Tiger Woods of Supercross.”Being one of the most extraordinary motocross carers ever, he has also amassed an estimated net worth of $18 million.
James Stewart Jr. Biography
James Stewart Jr. (born on December 21, 1985) grew up in Haines City, Florida, with parents who backed his racing dreams from day one. His father, James Sr., worked multiple jobs to pay for his son’s racing, while his mother, Sonya, gave strong support throughout his early years.
Little James got his first taste of motorcycles at age 3, riding a special dirt bike his father built just for him. His natural skill earned him the nickname “Bubba,” which stuck throughout his career.
- Parents: James Stewart Sr. and Sonya Stewart
- Siblings: Malcolm Stewart (younger brother, also a professional motocross racer)
- Spouse: As of the latest updates, James Stewart Jr. is single
- Children: None
James Stewart Jr. Career
Stewart’s early success was unprecedented.
Starting competitions at just four years old, Stewart showed rare talent early on. By age 16, he had won 84 amateur national titles. His speed and skill got him another nickname: “the Fastest Man on the Planet.”
By the time he turned professional, he had won 84 amateur national titles, making him one of the most successful amateur motocross racers ever. His performances at the Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch cemented his reputation as a future star.
Professional Career and Achievements
James Stewart Jr. turned professional in 2002 and quickly became a dominant force in motocross. Some of his key career milestones include:
- 2002 AMA 125 Motocross National Champion
- 2003 AMA 125 West Supercross Champion
- 2004 AMA 125 East Supercross Champion
- 2004 AMA 125 Motocross National Champion
- 2006 and 2007 FIM World Supercross Grand Prix Champion
- 2006 and 2008 Motocross of Nations Champion
- 2007 AMA Supercross Champion
- 2008 AMA Motocross National Champion
- 2009 AMA Supercross Champion
Signature Style and Influence
One of Stewart’s biggest contributions to motocross is the “Bubba Scrub” technique. This move allows riders to keep their bikes lower over jumps, reducing air time and maintaining speed. His aggressive riding style changed the way professional motocross is ridden and influenced future generations of riders.
James Stewart Jr. Net Worth
At his peak, James Stewart Jr. was one of the highest-paid motocross racers in the world. He earned between $3 to $4 million per year, primarily from endorsements. Over the years, he has signed deals with major brands such as:
- Oakley
- Kawasaki
- Snap-On
- Red Bull
His estimated net worth is around $20 million, making him one of the wealthiest motocross racers in history. He has a mansion in Orlando purchased for $3.9 million in 2009.
Life After Professional Racing
After stepping away from professional racing, Stewart remained active in the sport through media appearances and business ventures. He starred in his reality TV show, “Bubba’s World,” and has been involved in training young riders. His impact on motocross continues through the widespread use of his signature “scrub” technique and his role in breaking racial barriers in the sport.
Properties and Lifestyle
Stewart owns an 80-acre estate in Florida known as “Bubba’s World.” The property features a private dirt racing track and a massive garage housing his collection of motorcycles and classic cars. He also owns a luxury mansion in Orlando, which he purchased in 2009 for $3.9 million
Challenges and Controversies
Despite his success, Stewart faced several setbacks throughout his career. He suffered multiple injuries, including concussions and broken bones, which affected his consistency on the track. In 2014, he was suspended for 16 months after testing positive for a banned substance. Stewart stated that the substance was part of a prescribed medication for attention deficit disorder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is James Stewart Jr. called “Bubba”? A: He got this nickname in his early childhood years while racing, and it stayed with him throughout his professional career.
Q: What is James Stewart Jr.’s biggest contribution to motocross? A: His biggest contribution is the “Bubba Scrub” technique, which changed how riders approach jumps in motocross racing.
Q: How many amateur titles did James Stewart Jr. win? A: He won 84 amateur national titles before turning professional.
Q: What makes “Bubba World” special? A: “Bubba World” is Stewart’s 80-acre estate near Orlando that includes a regulation dirt racing track, multiple garages for classic cars, and a dedicated motorcycle collection.
Q: When did James Stewart Jr. turn professional? A: He turned professional in 2002 and immediately won the AMA 125cc Eastern Regional Supercross Championship as a rookie.