James Stewart's private practice sessions ahead of Monster Energy Cup

See how supercross star James "Bubba" Stewart is roaring back into action with a little training at his private compound in preparation for the upcoming Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas.

Joe Carberry | Oct 12, 2015

James Stewart's private practice sessions ahead of Monster Energy Cup /

It’s been a good week for motocross rider James Stewart.

The 29-year-old grabbed a redemptive win at the Red Bull Straight Rhythm in Pomona, California, a specialized race without turns that features two riders jumping out of an elevated box at the starting gate, going head-to-head on a rhythm track with dragon backs and gap jumps forcing them to time their air and acceleration in short bursts of speed. As a welcome back, Stewart defeated one of his rivals, Ryan Dungey, in the semis before taking out Ken Roczen in the finals for his second consecutive Straight Rhythm title. For frosting on the cake, his little brother Malcolm won the “Lights” division.

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The Florida native tested positive for illegal use of Adderall in 2014, which he uses to treat ADD, a legal drug if athletes obtain a Therapeutic Use Exemption. But in an oversight, Stewart says he failed to do so until after his positive test. The result was a 16-month ban that left the motorsports community split on the outcome: some felt the penalty was too harsh, others agreed with the ruling.

But that made the win all the more sweet for Stewart. And he has a chance to add to his trophy case this weekend at the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas, another major showcase that pits the best riders in the world against one another in head-to-head action. Racing on a track inspired by 5-time supercross champ Ricky Carmichael (who, ironically wasn’t suspended after being caught using illegal gas in 2006), athletes compete in three, 10-lap main events. The Cup garners loads of hype in the action sports world as Monster uses the race to showcase its staple of supercross athletes. Stewart took the overall title at the 2013 Monster Energy Cup and hopes to return to form. He’s using his downtime this week for a little “training.”

Man, training never looked so fun.

The Monster Energy Cup airs live on Fox Sports 2 Saturday, October 17 at 9:30pm PST.

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2015 Monster Energy Cup Supercross

Stewart kicks up some dirt after sticking a nice landing on a jump.

James Stewart whips across the blue southern California sky during his training for the upcoming Monster Energy Cup.

James Stewart getting in some practice time.

Dirt and mud fly as Suzuki supercross rider James Stewart comes out of a turn during a practice run.

Some of the many Supercross trophies, awards, and racing memorabilia at James Stewart's home.

Supecross is a very physically demanding sport, and James Stewart has to keep in shape as he works out at his home gym..

Stewart at his home gym.

James Stewart is an avid golfer in his spare time, and gets in a round of golf whenever he can when he's not riding or training.

Detail shot of Supercross rider James Stewart's Suzuki racing bike.

Supercross rider James Stewart suits up in his trailer.

James Stewart talks with members of his crew in between practice runs.

James Stewart mounts his bike with his crew making the last-minute adjustments for a practice run.

James Stewart is up in the air as his crew and team monitor his times and jumps before making any adjustments to his bike.

James Stewart rides down the moutain side in southern California.

Stewart gets in some practice runs.

Stewart during practice runs under the watchful eyes of his crew and team.

Stewart in mid air and dwarfed by the mountains of southern California as a backdrop.

Stewart talks with members of his racing team after finishing up some practice runs.

Stewart spends hours and hours each week at the training facility.

James Stewart listens to his dadfter a practice run. Stewart was introduced to the sport by his dad, when he was only about 3 years old.

Stewart talks with his team manager Mike Webb (sitting ) as team mechanic Rene Zapata, right, makes some minor adjustments in between practice runs.

Stewart talks with team mechanic Rene Zapata.

Stewart enters the fenced-off practice facility near Corona, Calif.

Stewart is silhouetted against the blue sky and mountains.

Stewart gets his game face on as he prepares for a practice run at the track.

Stewart races down the 'whoops' (as they're called ) at the training facilty.

Stewart is timed and filmed by members of his Suzuki team during practice.

Stewart heads down the mountain side to start his training runs.

Stewart starts his practice and training runs at the track.

Stewart gets airborne on his Suzuki racing bike.

The late afternoon sun creates a dramatic shadow of Stewart.

Stewart whips his bike in mid-air over a jump during practice.

A mid-air view of Stewart on his bike.

Published Oct 12, 2015

JOE CARBERRY