Rockstar Energy Husqvarna rider Malcolm Stewart led four laps during the opening round of Monster Energy AMA Supercross two weekends ago at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, Calif., before taking a tough tumble with three laps to go.
It was the first time the 30-year-old had experienced clean air during a 450cc class main event, so despite recording a 16th-place finish at the opener, Stewart is forging onward to the next round at SnapDragon Stadium in San Diego, Calif., full of hope.
“It just kind of brings back memories for me, back when I won my 250 championship,” Stewart said. “It’s a good feeling, to lead laps. It’s one of those things, and it’s a big confidence booster for myself.”
Stewart has experienced a resurgence in his career over the past year. While he’s been racing professionally since 2011 and picked up a 250cc class championship in 2016, his 450 career has been relatively quiet since he graduated to the premier division in 2017.
That all came to a head when Stewart made the move to Husqvarna for the 2022 season and finished third in the Supercross standings — only 45 points behind champion Eli Tomac. Out of 17 races, he had 13 top fives and a worst-finish of ninth.
The combination of a brand switch from Yamaha to Husqvarna, moving to Florida to work with renowned motocross trainer Aldon Baker at the Baker’s Factory and subsequently being closer to family has made the difference for Stewart.
This year, he has returned in full force to chase his first 450 victory.
With his recent experience leading laps in Anaheim, he believes one of the keys to contending for wins is being comfortable in the lead.
“The more you’re out front, you start getting used to it and the more natural that starts to become,” Stewart said.
Unfortunately, Stewart’s breakaway ride came to a screeching halt when he shifted into neutral on the bike during a rhythm section and went over the handlebars with under two minutes to go.
While Stewart got up quickly, by the time he spoke with the on-track medical unit and remounted the bike, the No. 27 Husqvarna was a lap down.
“You do this all day every day, practicing and racing, and it’s just like the luck of the draw. In instances like that, it’s not even your fault,” Stewart said. “When I hit the ground, it hurt, not gonna lie. But still had the heart to get back up and finish the race.”
The 16th-place result ended his 20-race streak of finishing in the top 10, but Stewart has already shaken it off and has his sights set on San Diego for the next opportunity to find clean air.
As he said, he’s walking away from Anaheim with more positives than negatives.
“I always try to look at the bigger picture for myself. It’s like, you have 16 more races to get the job done. You kind of put yourself in a trench, but you can always dig yourself out of it,” Stewart said. “If anything, I feel like it’s going to light me up even more.”