Jett Lawrence Better Than James “Bubba” Stewart? A Divisive Debate in the Motocross World……
The motocross world is buzzing with debate, and it’s not about lap times or track conditions—it’s about legacy. A growing chorus of fans and media alike have begun to float the idea that rising star Jett Lawrence may be the greatest motocross talent we’ve ever seen. But for many longtime fans, there’s one name that still towers above all: James “Bubba” Stewart.
With Jett Lawrence dominating AMA Supercross and Motocross over the past few seasons, the hype is understandable. The 20-year-old Australian is composed, fast, and shows a maturity far beyond his age on and off the track. His smooth style, flawless technique, and consistent results have brought him multiple titles and a seemingly unstoppable momentum. His growing legion of fans are quick to compare him to legends of the sport—some even daring to say he’s surpassed them.
But here’s where the line is drawn: James Stewart, known affectionately and respectfully as “JS7,” wasn’t just fast—he was electric. Stewart didn’t just win races; he changed the sport. His impact on motocross transcends trophies. He was a pioneer, the first African American to dominate a traditionally white-dominated sport, and he did it with unmatched flair, creativity, and guts. The “Bubba Scrub”—his invention—literally altered the way riders approached jumps and revolutionized motocross technique forever.
During his peak in the early to mid-2000s, Stewart wasn’t just winning; he was redefining what talent looked like. His 2008 perfect outdoor season—24 wins in 24 motos—is still talked about with awe. He was fearless, often going faster than the bike seemed capable of, taking risks no one else would dare attempt. He wasn’t just a competitor; he was a showman, making jaws drop every time he hit the track.
To compare that kind of raw, instinctive brilliance with Lawrence’s calculated precision is apples to oranges. Jett’s racing IQ is phenomenal, but he hasn’t yet demonstrated the same transformative impact on the sport. While he may well surpass Stewart in titles over time, motocross is about more than just stats—it’s about influence, aura, and what you bring to the culture.
Fans from the Bubba era argue that while Jett is a prodigy and undoubtedly one of the sport’s brightest stars, he hasn’t yet had to face the level of competition Stewart did. JS7 battled titans like Ricky Carmichael and Chad Reed in their prime. His career was marked by high-stakes rivalries and legendary comebacks. Jett, though undeniably talented, is still carving out his path in a much more media-managed, sponsor-protected landscape.
Moreover, Stewart’s cultural impact is something Jett may never match. He inspired a generation of riders who never thought they belonged in the sport. His reach went beyond motocross. Bubba was a game-changer not just because he won, but because he made people feel like anything was possible.
Is Jett Lawrence better than James Stewart? Right now, for many in the community, the answer is a firm no. Jett may be the future, but Bubba was a revolution. As one fan put it: “James was raw talent. Jett is polished skill. But skill can be taught—what James had, that can’t be replicated.”
Until Jett does something that fundamentally alters the DNA of the sport, the crown stays with JS7. The Jett fanbase may be out of control, but the sport’s historians and purists haven’t forgotten the king who once ruled the dirt.
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