Running on Fumes

The times, they are a changing. It’s an old cliché, but a fitting one right now as the United States inaugurates its first black president in Barack Obama. Wisdom advises sticking to another cliché, that in polite company you should never talk politics or religion. But regardless of personal political feelings, it is safe to say that no matter their vote in November, most Americans are quite proud of the historical significance of January 20th, 2009. It’s only natural that such a moment would give the nation pause for reflection on the question of race in America.

In professional motorcycle racing there is an under-representation of black riders. The causes for this disparity are subject to debate, but it is a simple fact. There are exceptions, however, the most notable being MX/SX star James Stewart. And, although 23 is a young age to use words like legacy, there is little doubt that Stewart has already created one.

At its core, sport is a meritocracy, valuing skill and athletic prowess over the color of a person’s skin. And sport has been an avenue for black athletes to expose the ridiculousness of prejudice.

Jack Johnson claimed the world heavyweight boxing crown in 1908 and defended it against a series of Great White Hopes. Jesse Owens embarrassed racist Nazi Aryan myths of supremacy at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Jackie Robinson integrated baseball, America’s national pastime… There are others less well known but no less significant, who broke rigid institutional color barriers.

Now there is a new era of black athlete breaking the barriers of perception. The most prominent, of course, is Tiger Woods, whose absolute domination of PGA golf has revolutionized the sport. There are Anson Carter and Mike Greer enjoying successful careers in the NHL. There is the British driver Lewis Hamilton, a sensation in Formula One. Then there is young James, who is shattering perceptions in Motocross and Supercross.

Stewart inherited the mantle of Supercross superstardom from Ricky Carmichael and Jeremy McGrath. While perhaps not a household name in all of America, he is without question a household name to every motorcycle enthusiast. He is the fastest, most talented, rider in off-road racing and his skill has manifested top sponsorships and endorsements, including an action figure deal from Mattel Toys.

By all accounts Stewart downplays his role as a trailblazer. And the success of fellow black riders in street racing, like drag racing champion Ricky Gadson, should not be overlooked – not to mention the initial interest in Motocross instilled in Stewart by his father. It is undeniable, however, that the mainstream success of an African-American rider in Supercross helps grow the sport of off-road motorcycle racing.

This point is generally accepted, but was driven home to me while covering the Detroit Supercross and seeing black fathers strolling through the pits with sons wearing No. 7 jerseys. Who knows how many black riders in the decades to come, whether road or dirt, will point to James Stewart as inspiration? Or how many young white riders will do the same, embracing the success of a black racing superstar (compare this to Johnson’s ascension to Heavyweight Champion, which was met with panic and venomous hatred by most of white America).

As successful as he is today, Stewart’s trailblazing potential in American motorsport is even greater. Many speculate that once he tires of winning the same championships on two-wheels Stewart will follow the path of his old MX rival, Ricky Carmichael, and jump into NASCAR – a racing institution in desperate need of a bona fide African-American star. For now, however, the motorcycle world has Stewart all to themselves – one of the best stories in American racing.