Stewart’s Arm Is Injured

The long-awaited challenge by rookie supercross phenom James “Bubba” Stewart of the sport’s established stars will have to wait.

The Kawasaki rider broke his left forearm during practice before last week’s race in Phoenix and will not ride Saturday at Angel Stadium, according to Bruce Stjerstrom, team manager.

“Obviously, it’s not what we wanted to happen,” Stjerstrom said. “He looked like he was riding like he was very much under control. His lap times were very good, and it looked like he was doing everything the right way.”

The debut of the much-hyped African American teenager, who had broken every 125cc record before moving up to the major league 250cc class this year, took place Jan. 8 at Angel Stadium, but the race course was so muddy that it offered no comparison of his skills against those of Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed, Kevin Windham or Jeremy McGrath. Stewart finished fifth as Windham won the mud bowl.

The Phoenix race was next, and a sellout crowd of 49,822 at Bank One Ballpark was disappointed when Stewart went down in the final practice and did not race. He was treated at the site and released.

Carmichael, who sat out last season with injuries, won the race and moved into second place in standings with 45 points to 47 for Windham.

“At the moment, we have no idea when Bubba will be back, but he won’t be at Anaheim, that much I can assure you,” Stjerstrom said.

Supercross will make its third and final Anaheim appearance of the season on Feb. 5.

-- Shav Glick