It’s finally official, James Stewart will join Joe Gibbs Racing next season in a multi-year deal that could extend into NASCAR as soon as 2012.

One of the worst kept secrets in the sport, the only piece to the puzzle that many were uncertain about was whether the team would remain with Yamaha, or switch to Suzuki upon Stewart’s arrival.

In a press conference held overnight in the U.S, it was revealed that Stewart and JGRMX will compete with Yamaha through the 2014 season.

“I am excited about joining the Gibbs racing family,” said Stewart. “My goal in Supercross is to pass Jeremy McGrath’s record of 72 Supercross wins. I am more than half way there and look forward to realising that dream during my time with JGR.

“I have also had an interest in car racing and we are going to explore my potential in that sport through the NASCAR side of the operation.”

JGRMX president Coy Gibbs was proud to welcome one of the sport’s brightest stars to the team, now focused on capturing their first title since forming the team in 2008.

“When we started the Supercross team in 2008 we had a building phase and a championship phase,” Gibbs explained.

“We spent the past four years learning the sport and the equipment and now we are ready to compete at the highest level with an accomplished and talented athlete like James Stewart along with our founding partners Toyota and Yamaha.

“James will also have the opportunity to explore his interest in racing some of the four-wheel vehicles we have around here as well.”

Legendary NFL coach and NASCAR team boss Joe Gibbs agreed with Coy, looking for that number one plate as soon as next season.

“We are proud of what Coy and the motocross team has accomplished and landing a talent like James is certainly a huge step up for our program,” stated Joe Gibbs. “We are looking forward to being a serious championship contender in 2012.”

Stewart will debut with the Toyota/Yamaha/JGRMX Team at the opening round of the 2012 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship, on 7 January 2012 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California.