Stewart/Chisholm to JGR

James Stewart and Kyle Chisholm very likely to race for JGR Yamaha in 2012...

James Stewart

James Stewart should remain on Yamahas, but with JGR, in 2012. (Photo: CoxMX.com)

Puzzle pieces are coming together for the 2012 season and perennial championship favorite James Stewart. Until at least early this week, Suzuki was trying to figure out a way to sign Stewart to ride their RM-Z450 in 2012. Stewart reportedly really likes the bike – a feeling he shares with a lot of top-level factory 450cc racers, including Ryan Dungey, Chad Reed, Mike Alessi, and more.

The problem is that Suzuki doesn’t have the budget, so the dilemma for Stewart was, “Do I sign with JGR to continue riding Yamahas and get paid, or do I sign with Suzuki and hope that I get along with the bike well enough to win titles indoors and out to get paid?”

Well, it looks like the decision is over with. Stewart will be with JGR Yamaha. How do I know?

Well, “know” is the wrong word. “Figure” fits better. Stewart’s really good, longtime friend is Kyle Chisholm, and Chisholm said on Twitter that he’s flying to North Carolina today. Well, there’s only one reason for him to fly to NC… That’s where JGR is. So, it seems that JGR has come to terms with James Stewart, and Stewart wants Chisholm back as a teammate, like he had in 2009.

This isn’t charity for Chiz, though. Chisholm has come into his own in recent years. If not for injuries, he’d be a contender for the top five indoors and out this year, and he gets along well with the Yamaha already.

It’s a win/win for JGR: Stewart to contend for titles indoors and out, and another frontrunner on the team who happens to be good buddies with Stewart, which will keep Stewart happy. And a happy Stewart is a fast Stewart.

The question now becomes, where does Davi Millsaps land? He was very solid in 2011, especially outdoors, until he got hurt. Does JGR have the budget to field a third guy of Millsaps’ caliber? Or will he have to find a ride somewhere else?

We’ll find out more soon, I’m sure…

Kyle Chisholm

Kyle Chisholm looks to be joining Stewart and also staying on Yamahas in 2012. (Photo: CoxMX.com)

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Comments

nick lime
October 24, 2011 11:26 am

how come stewart did not ride the monster energy cup?

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