Sure he missed the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations, but come on, Ricky Carmichael, Chad Reed and many other leading AMA hero's have never given 100% to the MXoN. While Carmichael came to respect the race he missed the MXoN in 2001, 2002, 2003 finally returning in 2004 in Zolder.

Once back he rode in 2005, missed 2006 due to injury and then finished his career in 2007 at Budds Creek's MXoN. As for Chad Reed, he rode his first MXoN in 2000, then rode 2001, before missing 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

He did ride in 2007 and 2008, but he didn't always have his heart in the event.

Stewart was the total showman in Bercy last weekend, really putting in a big effort for the crowd, maybe bigger than any other rider before him, yet the Forum fools who didn't attend the event liked to put him down for his non-appearance in the the Main event on Sunday night due to feeling sick.

Here is an open letter from Stewart on his non-appearance.

Hey everyone, it’s James. I’m back home in Florida now resting up after a long week of traveling, and I’m already feeling much better after the race in Paris and what happened. Motohead (somebody who made a negative comment about Stewart), I’m not sure where you came up with the idea that I’m more focused on my TV show than on my racing?

That is 100% wrong, and who or where you heard that from is wrong, as well. My whole life is dedicated racing, and it has been for 20 years.

So, me missing one MX season doesn’t mean that I’ve let the sport down in any way whatsoever. I honestly believe that I have done a lot for motorcycle racing, but I don’t expect anything back because I do it for the love of it.

I just wanted to check in to clear that up before it got way outta hand, and also just to say hello to everyone here and let you all know that I’m fine now. We are running some tests to see what exactly went wrong in Paris, and when I know you guys will know soon after.

Hope all is well, and thanks for the support!

JS