Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing Team has announced Malcolm Stewart as a fill-in rider for the injured Justin Bogle in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship. Bogle who has suffered complications following a concussion, was forced to sit out the opening round and his future return will now be treated as a race-by-race scenario.
“The opportunity came about on Sunday when J-Bone [Jeremy Albrecht] called and asked if I wanted to ride their factory Suzuki RM-Z450,” stated Stewart. “I’ve been so busy up to this point with getting things organised to go racing on my own, that’s why I was unable to race at Anaheim. To be given this chance on a factory team is a blessing. Now I’ve been on both sides of the fence, from being a privateer to racing for a factory team. It has truly been a humbling experience and I’m ready to give the team my full effort.”
Autotrader/Yoshimura/Suzuki Factory Racing team manager, Jeremy Albrecht, is looking forward to working with Stewart. “I’m excited to see Malcolm race for us this weekend at Houston. The fans love him, and he has a really good personality. I feel that Malcolm has great speed, and I’m happy that he wanted to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Albrecht also provided insight on the duration of Stewart’s role. “Bogle is currently recovering from an off-season injury. Malcolm will fill in until he returns, which should be several rounds. We should know more on Bogle’s status next week.”
Stewart will kick-off is time with the Suzuki team this weekend in Houston.