FIM Bans James Stewart From Racing For One Year

As competitors, teams, and the highly dedicated fans of Supercross
eagerly anticipate the start of the 2015 season, the industry has
been rocked with the announcement by the Federation of
International Motorcycling (FIM) that James
Stewart has been banned from racing anywhere for an entire year
after failing a drug test during the 2014 SX season.
It was quite a shocking announcement as many
didn't expect the punishment to be so severe and last so long,
especially since the drug Stewart tested positive for was Adderal
and prescribed by his doctor. When the initial announcement was
made most assumed it would be only for the Supercross season and he
would be able to compete later in the year in the Lucas Oil Pro
Motorcross Series. Apparently that's not the case.
With support from his Yoshimura Suzuki Team,
Stewart plans on appealing the decision and even if he can't
compete in the season opener in Anaheim on January 3, he plans on
attending the event and supporting he teammate Blake
Baggett
Here's the full press release from Suzuki:
CHINO, CA - Yoshimura Suzuki Racing is reporting that James
Stewart has received notification from the FIM with a penalty
regarding his anti-doping violation. The news came eight months to
the day from the test at this years'
Seattle Supercross event where he tested positive for
amphetamines from his prescribed Adderall. The ruling lays out a
punishment that severely affects the entire 2015 season for James
and the Yoshimura Suzuki team. Suzuki Motor of America and
Yoshimura Racing will continue their unwavering support for Stewart
during this difficult period and like all the fans hope to see him
line up at the gate as soon as his ineligibility is
lifted.
"I'm extremely disappointed to say the least," said Stewart.
"We plan to appeal as I personally feel that the punishment far
outweighs the situation; especially since I received both WADA and
USADA approvals that prove I'm not cheating. I'm bummed for
everyone involved: my family, my team, my sponsors, the promoters
and most of all the fans. Unfortunately, I've had to be very quiet
in regards to this situation but I'll be telling the full story in
the next couple weeks so everyone can understand what we've been
going through. Thank you all for your continued support."
Yoshimura Suzuki Racing's James Stewart has announced plans to
be at the season-opening round of the 2015 AMA Supercross
Championships on Saturday, January 3 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim to
support his team, teammate, sponsors and fans.