| QUESTION: James Stewart has been running # 259 since he was on minibikes. What do you think about his sudden change to # 7? |
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COMMENTARY:
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"I think it’s part of his new system and he wants to come in and win. I think he just wanted a change. Last year didn’t really go good for him, so this year I think he wanted to start with something new." |
"It will be a big change for sure and will take a little getting used to with the new number. I think a lower number is better and I think people recognize it better. Plus it’s a permanent number and he will have it for years to come. I also think people will identify him with the number #7 as they do with Ricky wearing the number #4." |
| Loren Lowery - KTM Truck Driver |
Brian Fleck - Dunlop |
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"I’m sure James has he reasons for doing it but as a fan, I got used to seeing the 259 on his bike. I know a little bit about the story behind the #259 with his friend Tony Haynes. I always thought that was something very special. I’m surprised he did it but if it works out for him and it helps him mentally, god bless him!" |
"Well, I think for personal reasons he likes that better. I think, from the job I do with marketing individuals he’s better with #259. He’s made it very clear why he wanted to be #259. I think from the stand-point of anyone not directly related to our sport that they relate to James Stewart as #259. So, obviously it’s going to take him a couple of years to transfer back over to #7. Maybe in the long run it might help him out but I like James Stewart as #259." |
| Rob Buydos - Parts Unlimited |
Bobby Moore - The Familie |
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| "I think it hurts the marketing behind the #259 but I think it’s a good change-up for him. He’s been going down that same path for a long time running the #259, then the change to #7, and there’s been a lot of good riders who wore #7. I also think for him to change, was a big step, and I think he needed a change. Things really didn’t go his way last year in the 250 class. He came out last year, had a little set back, and then won 3 races. But I still don’t think he was on a level that he wanted to be on because the guy is awesome! To change his number, I think he’s just looking for some fresh air and I think he has it now." |
"Nothing surprises me with James. He changed his number right before the race but I haven’t heard any reasons why? I guess he wanted a single digit number and he earned it. Whatever makes him happy. But at first, I thought it was kind of weird and to be honest, I never thought anything else about it." |
| Larry Brooks - Team KTM |
Ricky Carmichael - Team Suzuki |
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"I think everyone needs a change in there life every once in awhile. #259 worked out for him for years winning a lot of titles as an amateur and pro. I know he ran it for his buddy Tony Haynes but everybody changes numbers, look at Randy Moss. I wish him the best of luck, with the lucky # 7." |
"I don’t see a reason for a change. I think he branded #259. Maybe he’s trying to start new but that’s all I see it as. He said “single digits were a great feat to accomplish”. But I think he has greater feats to accomplish than a single digit number. " |
| Kenny Watson - Utopia |
Johnny Kuzo - Spy Optics |
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"It’s interesting. I thought he would run #259 for the rest of his career. Maybe he’s looking at turning over a new leaf for the rest of the season and starting fresh. I think it’s cool, he’s won championships to earn that single digit number and I wish him the best of luck." |
"I like #7 and I think it looks' good on the bike. He’s going to do great no matter what numbers he has on his bike. He is an “incredible motorcycle racer”! I like number #7 and he’ll make it look good for sure." |
| Randy Richardson - Michelin |
Skip Norfolk - NoFear |
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