Monster Energy Kawasaki at Full Strength

The Monster Energy Kawasaki team will be at full strength for the AMA Toyota Motocross Championship as James Stewart is set to return for the season opener at Glen Helen. Stewart missed the majority of the supercross season after having surgery on his knee. Now the 22-year-old is fully recovered and ready to challenge for the championship 

James Stewart

“I haven’t raced in a couple of months,” said Stewart. “So the first couple of races are going to be a little different. I feel better than I felt in a long time. My knee is healed and I know my endurance is there. I can’t wait to be on the gate at Glen Helen, by the race I’ll have been on the bike three weeks and right now everything is going good.”  

Stewart’s teammate Timmy Ferry is also ready for the outdoor season. Last year, Ferry reemerged as a title contender finishing third in the final standings and earning a spot on victorious Team USA at the Motocross of Nations. 

Timmy Ferry

“Last year was a bit of a dream season,” said Ferry. “After this year’s supercross season I’m even more confident for the upcoming nationals. I rode really well all spring and if I wouldn’t have missed three races during the season I would have

been right in the mix. I’ve been riding in Florida and California during the break between the seasons and I’m ready to start racing again.” 

For the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team Ryan Villopoto is looking to join an exclusive list in winning his third straight AMA Motocross Lites title. Villopoto is clearly the man to beat as the two-time defending champion is eager to leave the lites class with another championship. 

Ryan Villopoto

“I’ve been working hard these last two weeks getting ready for outdoors,” said Villopoto. “My supercross season didn’t go how I wanted it and now it's time go for my third straight outdoor championship. I just want to go out and win, I don’t really worry about records and things, so I just focused on winning races and getting one last (motocross lites) championship.” 

Austin Stroupe

Another young rider looking to make his mark in the motocross lites class is 17-year-old Austin Stroupe. Stroupe turned pro at the end of 2007 and earned a podium finish in three starts. During 2008 supercross lites season he rode to a win at Houston, Texas and finished third in the AMA Western Region Supercross Lites championship. 

“I’m ready for the outdoor season to start,” said Stroupe. “I really like riding outdoors and it’s been great getting back out there. I know it is going to be tough to get some wins, but I’m working hard and I think I can get some podiums.” 

Villopoto and Stroupe will be joined on the Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team by Branden Jesseman and Australian Brett Metcalfe.