James, a multi-discipline rider came from a significant 19 point deficit after the second race of the season to catch and pass the point's leader only to give way to a mediocre 5th place finish at the Indy Mile. With a 10 point deficit to make up and three races to go there was still a great chance with the Springfield Mile, Springfield short track and Pomona half mile races left. Then the odds started to pile up. With the Springfield mile called for darkness, and races winding down to only two, James laid it all on the line in the last-chance Springfield short track that was rescheduled for Monday after a rain out there during the Saturday evening program. Qualifying fourth, "the Rocket" got the hole shot, led all but the last lap and set fastest lap time in the race. In a brave last-ditch effort move to take the win James went for a small opening going into turn three only to have the door closed causing an unplanned high side through turn four falling short of the finish line. That 16th place race finish gave the championship away but solidified his place finish for the history books.

"I am really blessed to have such great people who believe in me as I move forward in my career as a professional motorcycle racer," said James. "Everyone around me gave 110% and we charged back from some mistakes, miss-queues, injuries and even set-up problems. It was a shame so many races were rained out or cancelled because I know what I can do both on and off the track and the championship was mine to win. Meanwhile, I learned a bunch from everyone and I can't thank Dick Weirbach and his crew enough for a great season. I also wanted to say big thanks to Sammy Sweet and my friends Dave and Ryan Wells. Sammy came up with a frame, stout motor and the labor while the Wells family provided the suspension and wheels. Between them they came up with the parts needed to put a bike together for me to race at Pomona. And, a huge thanks to the team of Chris Carr and Kenny Tolbert for bringing the bike out to the west coast. I sincerely look forward to riding hard, smart and fast for my team and to put on a great season finale show for all the fans that will come out to watch the pro-singles race. I know it's going to be a hec of an east vs. west coast show down so stay tuned."

You can follow the action on James' web site www.jamestherocket.com