On his return to professional motocross James Stewart trumped the opens class on the straight track while younger brother Malcolm rode a perfect day to stand on top of the Lites podium.
By Hayden Gregory
In the opening races the big names of Roczen, Dungey and Stewart proved their worth on the straight track. The top open riders made short work of their opening rounds progressing through to the latter stages with ease.
The Red Bull track stretched 2,500 feet and included 75 jumps, enough to test even the most consistent rider. The day panned out with all four top open qualifiers reaching the semi-finals. Intensity lifted as Roczen faced off with last year’s runner up Justin Brayton. While Brayton was competitive, Roczen was the undeniable winner taking up his spot in the 2015 final.
In the second opens semi-final Ryan Dungey lined up against the returning James Stewart. Dungey looked to have the early advantage winning the first race before Stewart showed why he is the reigning straight rhythm champion, taking out the next two to book his spot in the final.
The final was set for a great battle between journeyman Stewart and prodigy Roczen. In the first race Stewart edged out Roczen impressing through the whoops stage. Race two left Roczen with a big job on his hands, however an early mistake slashed his title hopes as he checked out and Stewart cruised home for his second straight Red Bull Straight Rhythm title.
In the Lites Class, James’ younger brother Malcolm showed that speed is a family trait. Malcolm rode a perfect day beating Shane McElrath in the final to complete a 2015 Stewart clean sweep.
Open Class Overall Top 4
- James Stewart
- Ken Roczen
- Ryan Dungey
- Justin Brayton
Lites Class Overall Top 4
- Malcolm Stewart
- Shane McElrath
- Jordon Smith
- Jessy Nelson
