The 2013 AMA Supercross series made its final stop in Anaheim, California on Saturday night for round number five, and James finally shook off the main event demons that have haunted him the last four weeks to finish the night in a respectable fourth place in the 450SX main event.

After dropping the fastest qualifying time of a 51.725 earlier in the day, James kicked off his night inside Angel Stadium with a less than stellar start in 450SX Heat 2, but battled his way up to a solid second-place finish when all was said and done.

When the 450SX main event hit the track, James got out to a solid start and immediately pointed his Yoshimura Suzuki toward the front of the pack. After a few quick passes during the opening laps, JS7 put a move on Davi Millsaps to take over the second spot behind early leader Ryan Dungey. With Dungey riding flawlessly up front and slowly creeping out to a comfortable lead, James did all he could to keep Millsaps at bay, but unfortunately made a few minor mistakes that allowed the series points leader to reclaim the second spot on lap 14. James would give up one more position to Justin Barcia after mistiming a rhythm section with just over two laps to go, but held tough to capture a series-best fourth when the checkers finally flew.

“I just wanted a chance to get toward the lead and taste what it feels like to ride that pace again,” James commented from the podium. “With the way things have gone the last few weeks, this is a huge step in the right direction, so I’m happy.”

The series returns next weekend for round number six in San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium.

450SX Class Results
1. Ryan Dungey
2. Davi Millsaps
3. Justin Barcia
4. James Stewart
5. Chad Reed
6. Andrew Short
7. Trey Canard
8. Ryan Villopoto
9. Broc Tickle
10. Justin Brayton

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