Tampa Supercross
Tampa, Florida - February 15, 2020
Getting back to racing truly was a huge team effort. The support and encouragement from sponsors and fans have helped to get the team on track. One of those supporters, Yuasa Battery Inc., had a tremendous impact on the trajectory as they were the charging force to move forward. Yuasa Battery is the new premier sponsor for the team, now titled Ronnie Stewart Racing Powered by Yuasa Battery, as they truly are the energy behind the team.
After some time away from racing, the team worked day and night to get ready for their first race in Tampa, Florida, which would be the seventh race of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series. Though they are starting late this year, the newly formed partnerships gave the team the ability to get back. The team looks to continue its growth through the rest of the season and beyond.
Thursday, February 13, 2020, the team arrived at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, and began setting up for the weekend. New logos were installed on the truck days prior, and the new banners were proudly displayed around the 32’ x 20’ pit space. In the days to come, this space would occupy half the bike area and half the hospitality area for VIPS, including, sponsors, partners, and customers.
Friday, February 14, 2020, the team would wake up early to participate in the early morning press session. During this time Ronnie was interviewed by Lila Gross of WFLA, NBC. His interview was broadcasted live on local television later that morning. Later in the day, Ronnie and the team would head over for a Husqvarna/ Honda dealer signing event. There were over 600 fans on hand, and Ronnie signed away until all his posters were gone, being the last rider to leave.
Saturday, February 15, 2020, is officially race day! This race was unique as it was St. Jude’s “This race saves lives” themed event. Ronnie’s bike was done up with St. Jude’s graphics thanks to Decal Works. Following the end of the night, Ronnie removed the plastics and signed them to be auctioned off, raising money for St. Judes. (once the live link becomes available we will post it here).
The day starts with three practices, one free practice (where the lap time doesn’t go towards your qualifying), and two qualifying practices, where your lap times count towards your qualification for the night show (the televised event). During the practices, Ronnie worked his way quickly into a comfortable flow. His best qualifying time was taken from the second qualifier (last practice) where he earned a 52.259. This put him at 30th overall, and a slot in the first 450 heat.
During the heat race, Ronnie finished 13th behind Chad Reed. In the heat race, the riders have to make the top 9 in order to automatically transfer to the main event. Those who do not make the main (beyond the top 9) will need to go to an LCQ, “Last Chance Qualifier”, where riders from heat 1 and 2 who did not transfer in, will need to battle for the top 4 positions to make it to the main.
In the LCQ Ronnie pulled a “hole shot” where he was able to exit the starting gate quickly and make his way up front in first around the first corner. This section was extremely slick and he lost traction, going down, having to start from last place. He then worked his way back up to 10th and was only a few positions away from making it into the main event, as they ended up taking 5 transfers due to an injury from another rider, who had to sit out.
Ronnie and the team will make an 1100-mile trip out west for the next race on February 22, 2020, in Arlington, Texas.
Follow Ronnie and the team on social to keep current, and subscribe to their new YouTube channel to see the vlog videos (and other short films) first!
The following photos were taken by Rob Koy of @robkoyphoto.
Check out the first vlog video below!
(For the best quality watch in 1080 HD - click on the gear icon to change the quality setting)
We stopped by the Dunlop Motorcycle Tires semi to get the tires changed out and fresh for the race. Check out the video below to see how the guys change and prep the tires! They're the best for a reason!
(For the best quality watch in 1080 HD - click on the gear icon to change the quality setting)
Also this week, Ronnie and Brooke announced that they would be adding to the team with the arrival of their first child in August! Check out the video below to see the creative moto themed “What’s in the Box” game that they created to tell his dad and sister.
(For the best quality watch in 1080 HD - click on the gear icon to change the quality setting)
Check out the pit set-up and other behind the scenes photos!
Ronnie Stewart Racing Powered by Yuasa Battery is proud to have support from the following amazing companies.
Yuasa Battery Inc., ISC Racers Tape, FXR Racing, Decal Works, Hellbound Racing, Food for Life Baking Company, Liberty Elevator Corp., 50 Yardline Sports Bar, Engine Ice, Factory Connection, Dunlop Motorcycle Tires, Bill's Pipes, Sunstar Sprockets, Acerbis, Spectro Oil, Hinson Clutch Components, 6D Helmets, Worldwide Bearings, Asterisk Braces, MotoStuff, Motion Pro, Wossner, Boyesen, Works Connection, DT1 Filters, Thundercross Associates.
Yuasa Battery, Inc. has been manufacturing powersports batteries in the US since 1979. Yuasa Battery Inc. is the leading manufacturer and distributor of batteries for motorcycles, ATVs (all-terrain vehicles), UTVs (side-by-side), snowmobiles, personal watercraft, and scooters.
The Chronicles are a series of events brought to you with the raw, imperfect, but utterly true behind-the-scenes work and lifestyle of the Ronnie Stewart Racing crew, and what it takes to go racing at the professional level as a privateer team. We hope you will continue to join us on this journey and we thank you all for your unconditional support!
#rstewcrew proud!