TAKE FIVE: AMA SUPERCROSS FINALS

Thursday, May 3, 2007 | 7:24 a.m.

What: Amp'd Mobile Supercross Series season finale

Where: Sam Boyd Stadium

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Tickets: $21-$63; www.unlvtickets.com

Info: www.supercrossonline.com

James Stewart's arrival to the big leagues of AMA Supercross racing two years ago was one of the most anticipated events in the history of the sport. Considered a prodigy in a sport that packs outdoor stadiums from Anaheim, Calif., to Detroit, the 19-year-old Stewart's ascension to the 250cc class was likened to Tiger Woods turning pro a decade earlier.

Like Woods, Stewart has lived up to the hype. After a slow start that saw him win "only" three times in an injury-plagued rookie season, Stewart is well on his way to becoming the preeminent rider in his sport. He capped his third season in the 250cc class by capturing his first Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series championship and his second Amp'd Mobile World Supercross GP crown last weekend in Seattle. With both titles securely in his possession, Stewart will turn Saturday night's Supercross season finale at Sam Boyd Stadium - where he is the defending race winner - into a prolonged victory lap.

1. Breakout season

After winning eight races and finishing second in AMA Supercross points last season, Stewart has won 12 of 15 races in 2007 and is riding a six-race winning streak heading into the season finale.

2. Rare company

Stewart, who earned his 23rd career Supercross victory Saturday in Seattle, is one of only seven riders with 20 or more wins in the series. Jeremy McGrath holds the record with 72 victories.

3. No rest ...

Although he has earned the right to place the No. 1 plate on his Monster Energy Kawasaki, Stewart said he doesn't intend to rest on his laurels.

"I am definitely happy to be in the position I am in and I hope that I can continue to help the sport grow from here," he said after clinching the championship. "I also hope that I can continue to kick it up that extra notch to give the fans the show they came to see. I will still be working hard as ever because there will always be another fast guy coming up to challenge for the win."

4. Tough track

The Supercross track at Sam Boyd Stadium always has been among the most challenging on the circuit. This year, promoter Live Nation has added to that challenge. Riders will encounter the longest starting straight in the series - 800 feet - in addition to the "flat track" section that takes them outside of the stadium. "The playing surface at Las Vegas is fairly small compared to most of the other stadiums we visit on the series, so we've gotten creative over the years," Live Nation's Todd Jendro said. "This one is going to be a track unlike anything these riders have seen before."

5. On the tube

The Supercross season finale traditionally draws a sellout crowd at Sam Boyd Stadium , but if you can't get tickets, you don't have to miss the race. The Speed channel will televise the event live beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday and will offer a one-hour "encore presentation" at 3 p.m. Sunday.