Image: Octopi Media.

Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha rider Malcolm Stewart found his way to the 450SX podium on Saturday, marking his first top-three finish in Supercross’ premier class.

In what was his 11th top 10 finish of the 2021 Monster Energy Supercross championship, Stewart battled hard for his career-first rostrum after starting fifth, fulfilling a dream in the penultimate round of the season.

“It was a great day,” Stewart explained. “I felt good and rode well all day and just let the race come to me. I didn’t have the best start in the Main Event, but we made it work the first couple of laps.

“Then Coop [Cooper Webb], [Jason] Anderson, and I had a pretty gnarly battle. I was really strong in the whoops tonight, and even the corner after the mechanics’ area, and kept gaining ground.”

“I tried to go for a pass on Coop and he just turned it up on me and it was kind of like the ship was sailed from there. I did everything I could to try to hang on to that number two but yeah, it was still a good race for me.”

Stewart switched to the 450 class full-time in 2017 and has been chasing a podium since. After joining the Monster Energy Star Racing team this season, he’s shown great pace, notching five top-five finishes ahead of Saturday’s podium at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

“I’m just so stoked to finally get on the box,” he continued. “It’s been hanging over my head for a long time, and we finally got it. We finally did it! It’s a dream come true.

“It’s one of those moments I’ll never forget. Everybody says that after your first one, it comes easy, so this is one of many. I’m looking to have some more fun next weekend and go out here for a repeat.”