**Malcolm Stewart Blasts Ricky Carmichael After Historic 450SX Win in Tampa: “I Remember When Ricky Said I Couldn’t Compete with Tough Riders Like Tomac and Jett, But Guess What? This 32-Year-Old Boy Got It Done, and It’s in My Hometown!”**
Tampa, Florida – The spotlight was on Malcolm Stewart on a historic Saturday night, as the 32-year-old rider made his mark on the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, securing a monumental victory in the 450SX class. The win, which took place in his hometown of Tampa, was not only a personal triumph but also a statement to those who doubted his potential in the highly competitive 450 class. Among those critics was the legendary Ricky Carmichael, whose comments years ago seemed to stick in Stewart’s mind – and in the wake of his victory, Stewart made it clear that he had something to say about it.
### “I Remember When Ricky Said I Couldn’t Compete”
Stewart, a rider who has faced ups and downs throughout his career, has had to overcome plenty of challenges. Known for his grit and determination, Stewart had built a reputation as a strong rider in the 250SX class, but it wasn’t until his switch to the 450SX class that many doubted his ability to contend with the elite riders at the highest level of the sport.
One name that came up frequently as a doubter was none other than Ricky Carmichael, the “GOAT” of motocross, whose legendary status in the sport is built on years of dominance. According to Stewart, Carmichael once made a comment that stuck with him: that Stewart wouldn’t be able to compete with riders like Eli Tomac and Jett Lawrence in the 450SX class.
“I remember when Ricky Carmichael said I wouldn’t be able to compete with tough riders like Tomac and Jett, that I didn’t have what it took to compete in the 450 class,” Stewart said after crossing the finish line first in Tampa. “But guess what? This 32-year-old boy just did it. I got it done, and it’s in my hometown! So now, Ricky, you can watch me do my thing up here!”
The comment, delivered with a confident but playful tone, was undoubtedly a challenge to Carmichael, who has long been one of the sport’s most influential voices. Despite the long-standing respect between Carmichael and Stewart, the rivalry between the two became more apparent as the night went on, with Stewart’s words signaling that the Florida native had something to prove.
“I have respect for everything Ricky has done, but I’ve been working so hard for this,” Stewart added. “And tonight was the night I finally showed everyone that I can hang with the best. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve had a lot of obstacles to overcome in my career, but it feels amazing to finally see all that hard work pay off.”
### Carmichael’s Influence on Stewart’s Career
Ricky Carmichael’s influence on the sport of motocross cannot be overstated. A seven-time AMA Supercross Champion and a two-time AMA Motocross Champion, Carmichael’s legacy is cemented as one of the most dominant riders to ever compete. His unmatched work ethic and on-track prowess set a standard that every rider aspiring to greatness has to follow.
For Malcolm Stewart, Carmichael’s advice and words had always been a mixed bag. While he has always expressed gratitude for the mentorship, Stewart also felt like Carmichael’s comments were a sign of the doubt that surrounded his transition to the 450SX class. As a seasoned rider with a lot of years of experience, Carmichael’s opinion carried weight in the racing community. Still, Stewart couldn’t help but feel like he had more to offer than what many had given him credit for.
“I’ve always respected Ricky, but there’s a difference between constructive criticism and flat-out doubt,” Stewart reflected. “Yeah, he’s one of the best, but when you’ve been in this game as long as I have, you start to see through the comments, you know? It wasn’t easy to switch from the 250 to the 450, but I was never going to back down.”
Stewart’s statement is emblematic of the fierce self-belief and drive that has propelled him to the pinnacle of his career. With his victory in Tampa, he firmly planted his flag in the 450SX class, not as a rider trying to survive, but as one who could go head-to-head with the sport’s biggest names.
### The Historic Victory in Tampa
As the race in Tampa unfolded, it quickly became clear that Stewart wasn’t just there to make up the numbers. He was there to take the win, and he did so in spectacular fashion. The Tampa Supercross is one of the most iconic stops on the Monster Energy Supercross schedule, and for Stewart, the opportunity to claim victory in front of his hometown fans was an emotional and momentous occasion.
The track conditions were challenging, with technical obstacles and high-stakes moments throughout the race. But Stewart’s execution on the bike was flawless. He stayed calm, focused, and navigated his way past the competition. The crowd erupted as Stewart crossed the finish line, and there was no mistaking the significance of the victory.
“This is unreal,” Stewart said during the post-race interview, his voice filled with emotion. “I’ve always dreamed of winning a 450SX race, but to do it in front of my hometown fans? That’s something I’ll never forget. I’ve been racing in Supercross for a long time, and this is the moment I’ve been working for.”
Stewart’s win wasn’t just about beating the competition, it was about proving to himself and the world that he belonged in the conversation with the top riders of the sport. Eli Tomac, Jett Lawrence, and Ken Roczen were all there, but Stewart was the one standing on top of the podium in Tampa.
“I’ve been grinding for years, and this is a moment I’ll cherish forever,” Stewart continued. “It feels great to show people that it’s never too late to make it happen. I may be 32, but I’ve still got plenty of gas in the tank.”
### The Road to Redemption
Malcolm Stewart’s career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. A rider who spent years in the 250SX class, Stewart was always seen as a potential star. However, the leap to the 450SX class was a much more difficult and competitive journey. The higher displacement class demanded more from riders, physically and mentally, with the likes of Tomac, Roczen, and Webb dominating the competition.
For years, many had written off Stewart’s chances at a championship win in the 450 class, with some questioning whether he could ever compete at that level. The expectations were high, and the pressure weighed on Stewart as he tried to navigate his way through a new set of challenges. However, the victory in Tampa proved that Stewart was far from done. It showed that hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself could overcome doubts and predictions.
“This race was more than just a win,” Stewart explained. “It was a message. A message to all the young riders out there who are told they can’t do something. Look, I’m 32, and people said I was past my prime, but this win shows that it’s never too late. It’s never too late to chase your dreams, and it’s never too late to prove the doubters wrong.”
### The Rivalry with Carmichael: A New Chapter
Ricky Carmichael has long been seen as a mentor and a friend to many in the Supercross community, but Stewart’s victory in Tampa has shifted the narrative slightly. No longer is Stewart the up-and-coming rider working his way up the ranks; he’s now a 450SX winner, and he’s doing it with a chip on his shoulder.
Stewart’s comments towards Carmichael are likely to fuel further discussion about the relationship between the two riders. It’s no secret that Carmichael has offered his fair share of criticism over the years, but Stewart’s response is a reminder that in the world of motocross, nothing is ever handed to anyone. A rider’s success is earned on the track, and Stewart made that clear when he called out Carmichael after his win.
Despite the tension between them, Stewart was quick to acknowledge Carmichael’s contributions to the sport. “Ricky has done so much for the sport, and I’m thankful for all that he’s taught me,” Stewart said. “But tonight was about me, my team, and my fans. I’ve earned this moment, and I’m going to enjoy it.”
### What’s Next for Malcolm Stewart?
After his landmark victory in Tampa, many are asking what’s next for Malcolm Stewart. Will he continue to build on this success and challenge for more wins in the 450SX series? Is a championship run in his future?
For Stewart, the road ahead looks promising. While he’s not one to make grandiose predictions, it’s clear that his confidence is at an all-time high. “I’m taking it one race at a time, but I know I can do this,” he said. “I’m focused on making the most of this opportunity and building on this win.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Stewart continues his journey in the 450SX class. If the victory in Tampa was any indication, the 32-year-old rider from Florida is far from finished. In fact, this could be the start of a new chapter in his career—one where the doubters, including Ricky Carmichael, may have to rethink their positions on Stewart’s potential.
For now, Malcolm Stewart is basking in the glory of his hard-earned victory, and as he said, “I’ve got a lot more left in the tank. So, let’s go make some more history.”
