Cycle News Staff | February 2, 2023
More changes going on in the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing camp in the days leading up to the Houston Supercross. With east coast contender Jalek Swoll out with a recent arm injury, the team’s drafted their amateur rider, Talon Hawkins, to fill the spot. Hawkins took third at last weekend’s Supercross Futures round and is set to make his professional debut at the east coast opener.
Along with that, they’ve announced that Malcolm Stewart is scheduled to undergo knee surgery and will be “sidelined for an extended duration.” This is worst case scenario for Stewart as he battled for wins during the first two rounds of this year’s Supercross season. Both of the teams full press releases can be read below.
A knee injury will sideline Stewart for an “extended duration”. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider Malcolm Stewart is scheduled to undergo knee surgery following his recent practice incident, confirming he will unfortunately be sidelined for an extended duration.
After claiming a career-best third in last year’s 450SX standings, the 30-year-old was exceptional in the opening two rounds of the 2023 AMA Supercross Championship equipped with the FC 450 Rockstar Edition, leading multiple laps at Anaheim 1 and in San Diego prior to being injured.
Although crashes effectively denied Stewart of claiming strong final results in the 450SX Main Event at both rounds, his performance in qualifying quickest and storming to a Heat race win at San Diego’s Snapdragon Stadium marked one of his most spectacular performances to date.
Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: “It was very tough to receive the news that Malcolm will need to undergo knee surgery. He has worked so hard to be in a position to win races this year and I truly believe he was ready. The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing program will support him in every way that we can through his recovery and we can’t wait to get him back on track and back at the races.”
It is yet to be determined when Stewart will be fit to return to action following his recovery. In the meantime, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s 450SX efforts will focus on 2023 signing Christian Craig in what is his first full season of competing in the premier class.
Stewart looked fast at the first two rounds of 2023. Photo: Brown Dog Wilson
Emerging teenager Talon Hawkins will make his professional AMA Supercross debut when 250SX East commences this weekend in Houston, filling in for the injured Jalek Swoll at Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing.
The 19-year-old has been part of the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna amateur program since late 2019, making his Pro Motocross debut last season and making a total of three appearances outdoors. His best results came at the Fox Raceway finals, going 18-14 for 17th overall.
Most recently, the FC 250-mounted Hawkins lined up in the Supercross Futures at Anaheim 2 last weekend, leading his share of laps in the main event and finishing an impressive third position. That experience will be vital leading into his 250SX East debut.
Nathan Ramsey, Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Team Manager: “We are very happy to give Talon this opportunity and he has been working very hard, squeezing in as much SX riding as possible to be ready if he got the call to be moved to the pro team to fill in. Talon is always ready and willing to do anything we ask, so we are excited to see him get out there with the big boys and mix it up. This will be a steep learning curve, but we believe that he’s up for the task.”
With team regular Swoll undergoing arm surgery after a practice crash last week, Hawkins now has the opportunity to test his abilities in the 250SX Eastern Regional Championship ranks when the gates drop this Saturday, February 4, at NRG Stadium in Texas.
Talon Hawkins will make his professional AMA Supercross debut as 250SX East commences this weekend in Houston. Photo: Husqvarna
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