Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128360
become - when asked if he's looking forward to the battle. "I have a belief in what I think I can do. But what I think, I probably shouldn't say it to anybody so I'll just keep it to myself. I think things will be a little different from what everybody expects. But yeah, if you think it's going to be good racing, week in and week out, then yeah I'm really excited to see if I'm going to be able to run with those guys. It's just going to be fun and different to have people there week in and week out racing failure. Stewart says he doesn't have that fear, though many would unfairly believe that a fourth- or fifth-place finish in Anaheim would be just that for the Kawasaki man in his debut. "That [fourth or fifth] is way below everybody else's standards that they've set for me," Stewart said. "I think, right now, some of the people don't want me to do good. It's funny. When everybody else stepped up, besides me, everybody was expecting then that it shoes. C'mon. Would third place really be acceptable? "What's acceptable to me is to know that I went out there and gave it the best," Stewart said. "If I go out there and I don't have speed or the pace to run with those guys, then at least I can say that I have work to do and all that. But if I go out there and run off... I honestly don't know how to answer that. Yes, I'm a winner and third is not acceptable to me. But I have to look at it that it's a long season, and getting third at the first race is not bad at all. I plan on going out there and winning, and yeah, anything less than that I'm going to be a little bummed. But it's just going to be a learning curve, but hopefully I take care of that by the time press day is over." More than once in his interview, Stewart mentions the "doubters." As if they actually exist - little demons who don't believe that Stewart is as good as everyone else knows he is. "People are saying things like it's going to be a matter of time until I fade out, and stuff like that," Stewart said. "I don't know, it's just kind of funny. I haven't really raced anybody, and people are already kind of doubting me as far as in the 2S0 class. I'm ready to just prove all that wrong - any doubting or whatever people think. I just want to prove it to myself that I am the real deal. Like I said, I'm just working hard for the season coming up. It's going to be something really exciting for me and for anyone watching it." The "doubters" may be pointing to the fact that Stewart has yet to endure a 16race Supercross season. Again, not a problem, according to Stewart. ''I'm going to be ready," he said. "But I'll just tell you to ask me that question in May. Physically and mentally, I'm ready to go. I guess that's the only thing that they're [the competition] banking on is for me not to be ready to race 16 races. I think honestly in their heart, if it's straight up and down, I don't think they think they can beat me. So, if that's what they're banking on, I wish they would find something else to bank on." III will not be pushed around. I already know it. I know those guys are going to run in on me. rm probably just going to look back and shake my head on them. rve prepared myself for those things to happen. rm just going to be ready for it. If they want to push me around, rm going to push back. rm not scared of anyone out there. rll push back just as hard - or maybe even harder. JAMES STEWART II with you. If all you guys think it's going to go like that, then that's cool." While McGrath's debut in the 2S0cc class definitely captured the sport's attention, nothing has created the buzz that Stewart's debut is getting. But while Stewart says that he believes some people are hoping for him to fail, the more likely scenario is that there is a bit of fear as to just how dominant he may become. The naysayers may just be hoping to at least get the opportunity to enjoy one last supercross season where the racing is close. As with any highly anticipated debut, there's a fear of - would be cool just to see him racing. 'Hopefully, if he gets fifth, that would be awesome.' I haven't really said anything about anybody else and all that. I'm not hyping my situation up at all about coming into the 250s. I'm just saying I'm really excited about going into it and racing these guys. From everybody else's eyes, it's either win or die. To me, if I get third, I'm pumped. It's a lot better than anybody else has done in their first race since Me [McGrath]. I just want to go out there and have fun." Right. And Emelda Marcos just wants to try on a few If Stewart needed further motivation, he says that comes from word on the street that there really are "doubters." "It always motivates you when someone doubts you," he said. "That's not the reason I'm coming in here [this season]. Just because people doubt me, that doesn't change my whole mindset or anything. I'm coming in the same: I just want to win some races and win the title. Anything besides that is just ridiculous. Like I said, people have their comments, and it's mostly the people inside [the industry]. It's one of my goals to be the 250 CYCLE NEWS • JANUARY 12, 2005 17 '.