James Stephens (24) battles with German rider Franz Lederer (608) and Luis Lavado (643) of Venezuela during the Daytona 250 Grand Prix race in 1987. The Daytona 250 GP race attracted foreign riders through much of the race’s 40-year run. Stephens was a leading AMA 250 Grand Prix rider during the 1980s from Menlo Park, California. During his six seasons in the 250GP ranks Stephens raced Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia and even a Spondon-Rotax. He scored seven podium finishes during his career, including twice runner up, but never quite managed to score a national victory. His highest ranking was third in 1986 when Stephens finished behind fellow Northern Californians Donny Greene and Rich Oliver.
James Stephens (24) battles with German rider Franz Lederer (608) and Luis Lavado (643) of Venezuela during the Daytona 250 Grand Prix race in 1987. Lederer finished 6th, Lavado 7th and Stephens 8th in that year’s race. (Larry Lawrence photo)
Rider Files 
SOOO internet bizarre tio see a pic of James now in this great archive. i was James mentor mechanic guru then. We actually DID win 2 races but not on paper. We won Pocono but James was too shy to pass early enough over Rich Schlacter!! And DOMINATED Mid Ohio that yr!! We had insane, 3rd of a lap lead then his honda expansion chamber SPLIT apart and lost 25% horsepower Heartbreaking for both of us. For the record… For 2 years, James had WORLD class talent. He smoked WAYNE RAINEY TWICE!! thanks for the memories ur site gave me now. I can tell u EVERYTHING those AMA years if ur interested………….
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