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Motocross has never had the highest profile amongst the various extreme sports. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its devoted followers, but when compared to the likes of skateboarding, BMX or surfing, its fan-base seems rather small. That said, with the arrival of a new generation of competitors and enthusiasts, the reputation and popularity of sport has definitely been experiencing an upwards trend. Few people have done more to improve the standing of motocross than international champion and racing superstar James “Bubba” Stewart.

James, who is sponsored by Oakley sunglasses, is often referred to as the Tiger Woods of motocross. The 24-year-old has so far claimed 5 major international motocross crowns, as well as a further five domestic U.S. championship titles. In one year alone, James won every one of the 24 professional motocross events he competed in, achieving a level of success that is unrivalled by both his contemporaries and by the legacies of the luminaries of motocross history. By the time James had turned 20 he was being widely heralded as the most accomplished motocross rider of all time. Even his fiercest rivals concede that the motocross ace is a cut above the rest.  The magnitude of his achievements is underscored by the fact that he is a black athlete competing in an overwhelmingly white sport, much like Tiger Woods before him.

James “Bubba” Stewart’s success has not gone unnoticed by big businesses and media. The young man is currently racking-in an estimated £6.5 million per year in endorsements and sponsorship, making him a financial success, as well as a sporting superstar. Stewart himself acknowledges the massive debt owed to his sponsors and backers, without whom he may never have achieved the degree of recognition he enjoys today. Oakley in particular have ensured the young extreme sports star has been in a position to grow and develop his on track abilities. In common with the other Oakley athletes, James “Bubba” is an icon of his sport and looks set to continue reaping the rewards of his considerable motocross talents for many years to come.