Victory in Seattle for San Manuel Yamaha’s James Stewart over the weekend has boosted him back into title contention with just two AMA Supercross rounds remaining in season 2011.

The former champion’s recent spurt of good form means that four riders are split by just nine points at the top of the standings, Stewart now up to fourth despite a luckless eight-race winless streak during the season mid-stages.

Stewart’s Seattle success gave the Floridian his 60th podium finish from 76 starts in the category, increased his career win tally to 42 and bumped Yamaha’s up to 166.

Stewart lapped more than half the field to give Yamaha their first win in Seattle this century.

“It was coming easy for me. I had some good lines through the whoops and once I got a lead, you know, I just kind of backed it down and just kept the gap like it was,” he commented.

“I felt good all day. The bike was working fantastic, really good. I knew the ruts, you know, the track was going to get technical. I was trying to just play it smart and I was able to get a good lead and make it happen after that.”

Stewart’s unbeatable speed has come at a crucial time with a maximum of 50 points still left up for grabs and he lies fourth in the table behind Ryan Villopoto, Ryan Dungey and Chad Reed, nine points adrift of first place.