James Stewart Receives Penalty from FIM over Failed Drug Test

After an eight-month wait, James Stewart’s motocross future is questionable following a penalty for a failed drug test.

The FIM has handed Yoshimura Suzuki’s James Stewart a penalty that, while the terms have not been disclosed, will prevent him from competing at the season-opening Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series round at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California, January 3.

Stewart tested positive for methamphetamine during a drug test taken at the 2014 Seattle Supercross. Stewart has claimed all along that the result of the test was due to an Adderall prescription that he takes for Attention Deficit Disorder. Yoshimura Suzuki appears to be standing behind Stewart even in light of the penalty. Stay tuned for further details.

The following is a press release from Yoshimura Suzuki:

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 year’s 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.”

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.