What is James "Bubba" Stewart's Net Worth?
James Bubba Stewart is an American professional motocross racer who has a net worth of $20 million. At his peak, Bubba was the highest-paid motocross racer in the world, earning $3-4 million per year, mainly from endorsements. Bubba's endorsement deals have included Oakley, Kawasaki, Snap-On and many more.
James "Bubba" Stewart stands as one of the most influential and successful motocross racers in history, transforming the sport with his innovative riding style and unprecedented achievements. Known as "the Tiger Woods of Supercross," Stewart broke racial barriers as the most successful African American motorcycle racer of all time. His aggressive, high-flying technique and signature scrub jump revolutionized how motocross is ridden at the highest level. Throughout his professional career, Stewart amassed 50 Supercross wins and multiple championships across both indoor and outdoor competitions, earning him a place among the sport's all-time greats. His combination of natural talent, innovative technique, and marketing appeal helped elevate motocross to new heights of popularity during the 2000s and early 2010s.
"Bubba World" Florida Estate
James famously owns an 80-acre estate near Orlando, which he dubbed "Bubba's World." In addition to a garage that houses dozens of classic cars and another garage just for motorcycles, there is a regulation dirt racing track. Bubba also owns a more traditional mansion in Orlando, which he bought in 2009 for $3.9 million. He gave MTV a tour of the "Bubba's World" compound in an episode of "Cribs":
Early Life
Born December 21, 1985, in Bartow, Florida, Stewart began riding motorcycles at age 3 on a modified dirt bike his father built for him. Growing up in Haines City, Florida, he quickly earned the nickname "Bubba" and became known as a child prodigy in amateur motocross. His father, James Sr., and mother, Sonya, supported his racing career from the beginning, with his father often working multiple jobs to fund Stewart's amateur racing efforts. By age 7, he was already competing and winning against much older children, earning another nickname: "the Fastest Man on the Planet."
Amateur Career
Stewart dominated amateur competitions unlike any rider before him, winning an unprecedented 84 amateur titles. His success at the Amateur National Motocross Championships at Loretta Lynn's Ranch became legendary, as he consistently outperformed older competitors. By the time he turned professional, Stewart had already attracted significant attention from sponsors and was widely regarded as the sport's next superstar.
(Photo by Jeff Kardas/Getty Images)
Professional Success
Turning pro in 2002, Stewart immediately made his mark by winning the AMA 125cc Eastern Regional Supercross Championship as a rookie. He continued his success in the 125cc/Lites class, winning multiple championships before moving up to the premier 450cc class. In the top category, Stewart's innovative "scrub" technique – a way of keeping the bike low over jumps while maintaining speed – changed how the sport was ridden and has been widely adopted by subsequent generations of riders.
Innovation and Influence
Stewart's "scrub" technique, now often called the "Bubba Scrub," revolutionized motocross racing. This technique involves whipping the bike parallel to the ground over jumps, reducing air time and maintaining forward momentum. This innovation not only made him faster but also changed how tracks are designed and how future generations approach racing. His dynamic style and extraordinary bike control set new standards for what was possible on a motorcycle.
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Challenges and Controversies
Despite his success, Stewart faced various challenges throughout his career. He dealt with multiple injuries, including concussions and broken bones, which are common in the sport. In 2014, he faced a 16-month suspension from competition after failing a drug test, though he maintained the positive result came from a prescribed medication for attention deficit disorder.
Legacy and Impact
Stewart's impact on motocross extends far beyond his race wins and championships. As the most successful African American motorcycle racer, he broke down racial barriers in a predominantly white sport and inspired a new generation of diverse riders. His popularity helped bring motocross into the mainstream, attracting new sponsors and fans to the sport. The "Bubba Scrub" technique he pioneered remains a fundamental part of modern motocross racing.
Post-Racing Career
After stepping back from professional racing, Stewart has remained involved in the sport through various business ventures and media appearances. He has appeared in multiple motocross videos and documentaries, including his own reality show "Bubba's World." His influence continues through his involvement in training young riders and his contributions to motorcycle development and testing.
