Ep. #29 James Stewart: The Fastest Man on the Planet Finds Perfection

06/28/24 • 31 min

Between 2005 and 2016, James Stewart completed just one full season of Pro Motocross in the 450 class: 2008.

And in the days, weeks and months leading into that summer, he was dubious of being able to go the distance. His first three years in the class were disasters: it started with an uncompetitive bike and ended with a knee injury. In between, there was Ricky Carmichael, who refused to be beaten even as he headed into the sunset.

It seemed like Stewart couldn’t win.

Then he won everything.

Four years after Carmichael completed his second perfect season (which you can hear about in episode #26), James Stewart also did it. And Stewart did it despite thinking that ‘08 was going to be “another crappy year”.

Stewart is the subject of the latest We Went Fast signature series, artwork autographed by the legends themselves. Find it at shop.wewentfast.com

The signed version is a limited edition. Only 116 numbered prints are available, commemorating the 116 wins from Stew’s career. shop.wewentfast.com. The print is 18x24-inches and available un-signed as well.

Members of the We Went Fast Garage got early access to this release in addition to the other premium content benefits. Join us for first dibs on the next signature series drop at wewentfast.com/garage.

For photos and data charts, check out the print version of this story at wewentfast.com.

Support We Went Fast

shop.wewentfast.com – Find your next favorite t-shirt or piece of artwork.
Leave a 5-star rating and review!
Tell a friend about We Went Fast. Share this podcast.
Follow @wewentfast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube

Between 2005 and 2016, James Stewart completed just one full season of Pro Motocross in the 450 class: 2008.

It seemed like Stewart couldn’t win.

Then he won everything.

Stewart is the subject of the latest We Went Fast signature series, artwork autographed by the legends themselves. Find it at shop.wewentfast.com

For photos and data charts, check out the print version of this story at wewentfast.com.

Support We Went Fast

shop.wewentfast.com – Find your next favorite t-shirt or piece of artwork.
Leave a 5-star rating and review!
Tell a friend about We Went Fast. Share this podcast.
Follow @wewentfast on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Threads, YouTube

Previous Episode

Marty Smith's Last Interview. Part 3

This is part 3, the final installment of a series with Marty Smith. These interviews were done by David Dewhurst for his book, “Motocross: The Golden Era”, which is available at shop.wewentfast.com and ships free to customers in the United States.

Part 3 covers the end of Marty's racing career and his thoughts on the future.

This interview series was done at Marty's house just two weeks before he and his wife died in a dune buggy accident at the Glamis Sand Dunes

Among other accolades, Marty was first ever 125MX Pro Motocross Champion, a title he won in 1974 and repeated in 1975. He was also considered the first superstar of American Motocross.

Chapter nine of "Motocross: The Golden Era is dedicated to Smith". The book is a 480-page coffee table book filled with 600 gorgeous images he captured as a photojournalist during a pivotal era of the sport: 1972-1985.

I can’t stress enough what a masterpiece this book is and Dewhurst’s photographic talent shines within it. Check it out at shop.wewentfast.com.

Next Episode

Ep. #30 Doug Henry's 2.8 Seconds to Legend

Have you ever wondered why Budds Creek MX Park has an obstacle called Henry Hill?

This is the story behind how small errors, fatigue, pride, determination and a wardrobe issue caused Doug Henry to take the most notorious flight in motocross history.

For photos and video from this story, check out the print version at wewentfast.com.

Support We Went Fast