Dungey and Weimer hit it big while Stewart and Reed hit the deck.

Dungey and Weimer hit it big while Stewart and Reed hit the deck.

I think San Manuel Yamaha rider James Stewart is so used to being out in front that he needs to learn how to ride in traffic. In his heat race Stewart jumped across a triple and into the line of privateer Kyle Partridge. When Kyle landed and clipped the rear end of Stewart, both riders were lucky to limp away.

His habit of jumping across lines to set up early for turns almost bit him at Anaheim 1, but bit him hard in Phoenix. Remember the closing laps of the season opener? After chasing Dungey for 15 laps and making the pass stick late in the race, Stewart jumped across the face of the triple, drifting left to right, closing out Dungey. Aggressive? Sure. Risky? Maybe. Stewart got caught stealing time while stealing lines, and it bit him, hard.

Stewart needs to stop this habit immediately. Think otherwise? Ask Kyle Partridge. Any other rider who doesn’t blast out a hole shot needs to deal with not only the track, but also with other riders. Coming through the pack is the mark of a true champion, but it seems James feels a sense of entitlement that riders should just get out of his way. James Stewart is lightning on a motor bike, but you have to finish the race to win. Every kid that ever lined up to race learned that one from dad.

Despite being visibly in pain, Stewart lined up for the last chance qualifier and won the sprint to qualify for the main event. His strategy to still compete and salvage some points makes sense. He looked good and strong but again drifted over to get near Tommy Hahn off a triple. Dude, you’re cutting it too close. You’re playing Russian roulette. It is a long Supercross season, and every point will count come Vegas.

Josh Hansen should consider a career move to drag racing. Lightning quick thru the first 300 feet, Hansen has yet to finish the first three laps, let alone a main event. While I understand he and Reed share some sponsor, each rider needs to shake this trend of not getting through the first half of the race.

Dungey took the holeshot in the Supercross main event and led wire to wire. Despite the fact that the rookie acquitted himself well last week, he has high expectations and a reputation for being a real hard worker. With props from Ricky Johnson and a few other industry heavies, Dungey might be the least surprised with his win in Phoenix.

The majority of the attention focused on the current and vice champions from 2008. Stewart and Reed both stumbled on the start and found themselves mid pack. Reed came in hot on a right hand sweeper just as Stewart was cutting the corner looking for some drive. Reed squared Stewart up and took them both down. While I think it was just a case of wrong place, wrong time, it was apparent that both riders weren’t happy with the contact.

Reed broke his hand and underwent surgery today. He will miss at least six weeks of racing and could return late in the year to play spoiler. Stewart visited Reed at the Kawasaki rig to discuss his feelings about the collision. The didn’t meet but Stewart did send a message. He kicked Reed’s bike off the stand and made the mistake of leaving his goggles behind. While the AMA only warned their favorite son, it shows that Stewart can lose his cool. What will A2 hold? I can’t wait to find out.