James Stewart Responds To FIM’s Ruling
Kit Palmer | December 18, 2014
James Stewart has broken his silence regarding the FIM’s decision to suspend his racing privileges for 16 months, retroactive April 2014. The Yoshimura Suzuki Team rider recently spoke out via Instagram:
“The last 8 months have been very tough and honestly devastating to a degree. The love and support I’ve received from the industry and my sponsors has been truly amazing. They’re has been a lot of athletes very vocal over this decision and I truly appreciate it tremendously. I’m extremely sorry that it’s come down to this but it has shown me just how much this industry stands up for each other through tough situations.
“To my fans… I’m not gonna lie after receiving this devastating news last Friday, I was honestly contemplating retiring, I felt like I couldn’t fight anymore. This situation has taken a toll on me. But The support from you the fans this last 24 hours has had me nearly in tears. Reading the comments and seeing all the overwhelming letters, signs, shirts, etc. has made me ready to fight and show you the fans and my sponsors what you deserve.
“Thanks to all of you I’m gonna be around for a long time to come. Your support showed me how much you guys appreciate me so with that being said, it’s gonna take a lot more than this to run me off. Thank you for literally keeping me on my bike for years to come. The louder you guys are, the more it makes me ready to be back for you. I hear you loud and clear so no matter what you will see me behind the gate doing what I love hopefully sooner than later.”
Kit Palmer | Off-Road Editor
Kit Palmer started his career at Cycle News in 1984 and he’s been testing dirt and streetbikes ever since – plus covering any event that uses some form of a knobby tire. He’s also our resident motorcycle mileage man with a commute of 120 miles a day.
