The iron man Height: 5' 11" Weight: 189 lbs. Birth date: Feb. 12, 1971 Birthplace: Michigan City, Ind. Residence: South Bend, Ind. Turned pro: 1987
For local rider Mike LaRocco, getting dirty is just a way of life They make it look so easy. Or so it seems. Welcome to 125cc and 250cc Stadium Motorcycle Racing. For the uninitiated to the sport of supercross, it’s a volatile mixture of speed, talent, luck, skill, adrenaline-pumping jumps, spine-cracking landings, and in the end, a victor who overcomes all those elements. With this kind of action, it’s easy to see why the supercross series is taking off in popularity in the United States. The track is
the RCA Dome for a night of unforgettable racing on the indoor custom-built dirt track filled with plenty of rough terrain. The top supercross riders in the world will be in town for the event: David Vuillemin, Chad Reed, James “Bubba” Stewart are just a few of the riders battling hills, valleys and each other for the checkered flag. In a sport where your body is covered with dirt and a bone-jarring injury is one dirt hill away, one rider has the moxie to stay
For the uninitiated to the sport of supercross, it’s a volatile mixture of speed, talent, luck, skill, adrenalinepumping jumps and spine-cracking landings. close up and there’s no bad seat in the house. It’s also a sport that welcomes families — this Saturday’s race features a Family Section that’s alcohol-free. THQ World Supercross GP is a 17-round global series produced and promoted by Clear Channel Entertainment and Dorna Off Road S.L. Riders must compete in the international rounds to be eligible to win the world championship. In 2003-2004, the 17-event THQ World Supercross GP includes two international events in Seville, Spain and Arnhem, Holland, and 15 of the 16 THQ AMA Supercross Series events are conducted in major cities throughout the United States. A THQ AMA Supercross Series rider will be crowned as the national champion for the events conducted in the United States only. This Saturday night, that series comes to
airborne. A Michigan City kid and South Bend resident, Mike “The Rock” LaRocco is wellknown to fans of the sport as the “Iron Man,” not only due to his three decades of racing professionally, but he’s also sustained many injuries while racing that would have ended a lesser man’s career. LaRocco’s past experiences at the RCA Dome have included a few podium finishes, and he hopes to take the checkered flag this year. “I’ve raced at all of the Indianapolis races except last year when I was hurt,” LaRocco said. LaRocco’s strategy for the upcoming race is to get a good start and be fast early — something he admits is tough to do. “I end up having the speed at some point in the race. I’ve been recently ironing out By Joe Soria Custom Publications
those starts in those first couple of laps … which is the difference between where I am at now and winning,” he said. At a recent race in Daytona, LaRocco fell at the beginning of the race but was able to recover and even scored a third-place podium finish, the sixth time he’s accomplished that feat this season. For those who have never attended a supercross race, the experience of being a spectator is more in your face than most other kinds of racing. “It’s a pretty intense sport. In a stadium you can see everything going on … right there on the floor. We’re jumping 30 feet up in the air and 70 feet across; it’s pretty exciting to watch that kind of racing. It’s pretty cool for most people,” LaRocco said. LaRocco is still having a great time riding competitively, despite his recent injuries. He attributes his 16-year career in the sport to his love of racing. At 33, LaRocco is at a point in his career where most riders have already retired or have been forced to hang it up due to the bone-breaking nature of the sport. Recently, LaRocco completed a recordbreaking 200th race and doesn’t seem to be anywhere close to stopping. “I’m just not ready to retire at this point. I still like doing it. I’m still learning and accepting the challenge,” LaRocco said. For this Hoosier native, the only things stopping him from racing is a gnarly hill of dirt, a flat tire or the checkered flag. ✵
Year-end rankings: 2003: 14th (SX), 5th (250MX) 2002: 11th (SX), 6th (250MX) 2001: 3rd (SX) 2000: 3rd (SX), 5th (250MX) 1999: 3rd (SX), 3rd (250MX) 1998: 5th (SX), 3rd (250MX) 1997: 6th (SX), 5th (250MX) 1996: 6th (SX), 3rd (250MX) 1995: 6th (SX), 7th (250MX) 1994: 2nd (SX), 1st (250MX) 1993: 12th (SX), 1st (500MX), 2nd (250MX) 1992: 6th (SX), 2nd (125MX) 1991: 9th (SX), 5th (250MX), 12th (125MX) 1990: 7th (SX), 3rd (250MX), 8th (125MX) 1989: 14th (SX), 2nd (WSX), 5th (125MX) 1988: 3rd (ESX), 7th (125MX) Personal: Known as one of pro racing’s most fit riders. Hobbies include jet skiing, radio-controlled cars and computers. Racing heroes: Marty Smith and Bob Hannah. Father raced motorcycles. Avid radio listener. Enjoys health foods, pasta and Granny Smith apples.
Credits Leigh Hedger Custom Publications Editor (317) 444-7038 Beth Winchell Custom Publications Graphics Supervisor (317) 444-7283 Joe Soria Custom Publications Senior Graphic Designer Dave Wilson Custom Publications Development and Advertising (317) 444-7232 This publication is a product of Custom Publications, a division of the Advertising Department of The Indianapolis Star.
SX grows by leaps and whoops Step by step, year-by-year the sport of supercross continues to grow. Packed stadiums, high-profile riders with sevendigit salaries and corporate sponsorships are a few of the components that have taken the sport to a level that was unimaginable back in the day. The centerpiece a supercross race is the night program, which features rock concertesque opening ceremonies followed by action-packed racing, but the thrill goes beyond that. Fans are treated to an array of daytime activities in the paddock area that include interactive displays and autograph sessions with their favorite riders. Riders are highly accessible, giving each fan a chance to meet and talk with them. The sport has assimilated to fans’ needs over the years, making the supercross
experience enjoyable in a convenient, family-friendly setting. “The Houston Astrodome was heralded as the eighth wonder of the world in the ’60s when it opened, and the convenience of being able to showcase this high-drama product in modern environments has been a huge factor in the growth of supercross,” according to Roy Janson, vice president of operations, Clear Channel Entertainment — Motor Sports. Since then attendance has skyrocketed. In 2003, some 812,000 fans attended the internationally sprawling circuit. More than 67,000 fans enjoyed the epic showdown at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium, and the three races at Anaheim’s Edison International Field are traditionally well attended.
The sport’s all-time winningest rider, Jeremy McGrath, who has 72 250cc supercross wins and seven 250cc supercross championships, was the first rider to become a household name. His accolades have earned him spots in commercials, toy deals, national TV shows and more. Most recently, Harper Collins is publishing his book “Wide Open.” McGrath’s mainstream appeal helped crystallize supercross’ image to the public. “McGrath was the first one to move outside of the sport,” said Janson, who watched McGrath take supercross to the next level. “Also during McGrath’s era came the first quality television package. Before this time, seeing supercross on television was rare. When I was a kid, we saw motorcycles once a year when the Carlsbad
Staff Report
Grand Prix was on Wide World of Sports. We waited all year long to watch motorcycles one time a year, and now you can watch motorcycle racing every day of the week on TV — whether it’s a rebroadcast of supercross/motocross on ESPN2 or local news stations.” In December 2002, supercross made a transcontinental leap, adding two international events to the season, which eventually crowned a world champion. This year, the season includes international rounds in Seville, Spain and Arnhem, Holland. Supercross has more than proved itself with ever-growing attendance figures, national and international marketability and mainstream coverage, making its future possibilities endless. ✵
The main event Date: Time:
Saturday, March 20 12:30 p.m. Practice/Qualifying 7 p.m. Show Starts Venue: RCA Dome
Tickets are on sale now In advance: Goldcircle Seats $35 adult, $35 child Mid-Level Seats: $25 adult, $25 child Treadhead Seats: $10 adult, $10 child Day of show:
All tickets $2 more
Family Section: When ordering tickets through Ticketmaster, request Family Section for an alcohol-free family atmosphere. Charge by phone through the RCA Box Office: (317) 239-5151 Keep posted at supercross.cc.com.
The dirty work behind the scenes Traditionally, facilities across America play host to Major League Baseball, National Football League games, and other sporting events, but once a year these pristine playing fields are hidden by 500 truckloads of dirt for THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series events. Bringing that much dirt into a large facility is a unique challenge for groundskeepers around the country. The high stress relationship between Clear Channel Entertainment’s Lenny Fuller, who oversees track construction for hundreds of events a year, and groundskeepers has improved over the years. “They worry when we first come in, but after that, they realize that we do our best to take care of their facility,” Fuller said. “We transform sporting facilities into motorsport facilities. When I say transform, I mean, we cover all of the sod on the field, taking away its normal look. When you see the baseball games on TV, you see beautiful stadiums with perfect grass. Imagine what the grass looks like when we are on them for six weeks. But by the time we leave, they have complete confidence in us.” They don’t use ordinary dirt, though. “We work with local contractors to find out what type of local soil is available,” said Lenny Fuller. “Once we find some dirt
that we like, we take a sample of that and wait to see what the quality of it is.” Over the years the demand for “good” dirt was a must for the indoor sport that started in 1974. The factory teams prefer that their million-dollar athletes compete on soil that is safe, meaning it’s free of any
perfectly manicured grass must be replaced after the five diverse tracks cover it. Amazingly enough, dirt is rather sensitive. “Pontiac is a good example of how vulnerable dirt is. People laugh at me when I tell them you can wear dirt out,” Fuller
The terrain on the dirt tracks varies from stadium to stadium.
debris such as stone or metals. Because of the precision supercross, where riders often soar some 70 feet in the air, the jumps must be built in a way that allows riders to take off and land on smooth obstacles. No two tracks will ever be the same, as each of them possesses unique qualities, much like the stadium that hosts them. For instance, Edison International Field in Anaheim, Calif., is used for five dirt events in January and February, which means the Staff Report
said. “After a while, the dirt loses its consistency. Even though it has clay and you can moisturize it, it still wears out. There is nothing that holds it together any more.” The procedure of turning sporting facilities into supercross tracks is a phenomenon, but the system that Fuller has developed is a well-oiled machine. It’s a dirty job but someone has to do it. ✹
Supercross 101: You’ve got questions; here are the answers What is supercross?
THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series are off-road motorcycle races, produced at facilities seating approximately 35,000 spectators, where dirt is brought in and sculpted using construction equipment. Widely regarded as the king of extreme sports, THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series is considered the NASCAR of motocross. Some of the world’s greatest athletes compete in what has been described as one of the most physically demanding sports in existence. Who are the stars of supercross?
Defending champion Ricky Carmichael and seven-time champion Jeremy McGrath are the two most recognizable names in the sport. McGrath holds almost every major supercross record, including all-time wins and titles won. McGrath retired in 2003. Up-and-coming stars include 2003 125cc Western Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series champion James Stewart and 2003 THQ World Supercross GP champion Chad Reed. How fast do these guys go? How high do they jump?
Speeds vary depending on the track, but you can expect to see competitors going in excess of 60 mph at a typical supercross race. Riders soar as far as 70 feet in distance, while flying as high as a threestory building off jumps called “triples.” How old are supercross riders?
Many of the top riders are between the ages of 18 to 21, with professional eligibility at age 16. The average supercross rider is 25 with a career span that can last into the early 30s. How can I get started in supercross racing?
Most young riders get started at the local level, training on nearby tracks to hone their racing skills. THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series supports the next generation of stars by joining forces with KTM to present the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge, which provides youngsters the opportunity to ride supercross tracks in front of capacity crowds around the country with an
emphasis on fun and safety. Always a fan favorite, you can count on the KTM Junior Supercross Challenge to be another exciting aspect of the supercross experience. What do all those abbreviations stand for?
This type of motorcycle racing carries a number of abbreviations. “WSXGP” is used to represent THQ World Supercross GP, “SX” is widely used to represent the sport of supercross, “MX” for motocross, “AX” for arenacross and “FMX” for freestyle motocross. In some cases, there are numbers preceding the abbreviation, which represent the different classes, such as 250SX (250cc supercross) or 125MX (125cc motocross). The 125cc supercross class is usually marked with an “E” or “W” to indicate the division, meaning ESX represents 125cc Eastern Regional THQ AMA Supercross and WSXGP is western. How different are the bikes they race from the ones I can buy?
Supercross motorcycles may look the same as the ones on the showroom floor, but the similarities end there. Completely “tricked-out” supercross bikes cost as much as $80,000 and are built from the ground up with custom components. The average fan can buy the same model motorcycle with factory-standard parts for much less than $10,000 at a local dealership. What’s the difference between 125cc and 250cc motorcycles?
The 250cc (cubic centimeters) bike is heavier than its 125cc counterpart and has an engine displacement twice the size of the 125s. Faster in the straight-aways and quicker out of the turns, the 250s are the premier bikes in supercross. What kind of safety equipment do the riders use?
All supercross riders are required to wear safety equipment, including helmets, racing pants, boots, gloves and goggles. Many also use chest protectors, shoulder pads and kidney belts for added protection. How much dirt is needed to build a supercross track?
Dirt Wurx, the official track builders of
THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series, brings in roughly 500 truckloads of dirt for each contest, which equals approximately 1.5 million pounds. It takes a crew of seven men with construction equipment about three days to build the course. How many riders compete during an event?
THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series events sometimes have more than 150 riders vying for a spot in the finals. Qualifying heats are held throughout the day, whittling the field down to 42 riders for the final two races. The 250cc main event features 20 riders, while the 125cc finale in the THQ AMA Supercross Series showcases 22. How long are the races?
Final races for the 250s run 20 laps and the 125s go 15, but a supercross event begins well before rider introductions in the early evening. Practice laps and qualifying heats begin in the afternoon, with other exciting activities, such as autograph sessions and open paddock areas at most venues going on throughout the day. How does the points system work?
Points are only awarded in the finals of the 250cc and 125cc classes. The top finisher receives 25 points, with 22 for second, 20 for third, 18 for fourth and 16 for fifth. Sixth place receives 15 points, with each place below receiving one less point (14 for seventh, 13 for eighth and so on). How do I find more information on supercross stars?
For more information on THQ World Supercross GP/THQ AMA Supercross Series, go to www.supercross.cc.com. You’ll find features, rider profiles and links, along with series standings, news, schedules, ticket information, multimedia and more.
Supercross lingo Whoops or whoop-de-doos: A series of closely spaced bumps — similar to moguls in snow skiing. Tabletop jump: A supercross course jump that features a flat top with ramps at either end. Set-up Jump: A supercross course jump that can be set up in one of two ways: as a stair step or a small bump placed before a larger jump or tabletop, where the rider uses the first bump to jump to the top of, or over, the following obstacle. Doubles: Two jumps that the rider tries to clear. Triples: Three jumps that the rider tries to clear. They are usually three stories high and 70 feet in the air. Flying W: An unintentional maneuver that occurs when the rider’s legs are suddenly kicked into the air above the seat while he maintains his hold on the handlebars. This can happen when riders land short on the doubles or miss-time the whoops. Endo: An unfortunate occurrence when the motorcycle flips “end-over-end” with the rider. Holeshot: Leading the pack through the first turn. Roost: Flying dirt kicked up by motorcycles. Block pass: When a rider overtakes another rider by moving into his opponent’s path, effectively blocking the line of travel. Stuff: A tactic used by riders that squeezes opponents underneath in a turn, occasionally forcing them wide and “stuffing” them into the hale bales. Pinned: Rolling the throttle back all the way ’til it won’t go any further. Lipstand: When a rider crashes face-first into the ground. Arm pump: A condition that occurs when a rider grips the handlebars too tightly and the muscles in his forearms become so tense it’s difficult to hold on to and work the handlebars.
Chad Reed, No. 22 At one point, it was all a dream. “I went to sleep watching American supercross and woke up watching it,” said Australian Chad Reed on his desire to race American supercross. Reed, who turns 22 this year, has parlayed his dream of being one of the top 250cc supercross riders in the world into a reality. After earning the 125cc Eastern Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series championship in 2002, Reed made
from last year. Winning races in a rookie year is great and all but beyond that you have to win the championship.” Reed considers himself a better supercross rider because of his excitement for indoor racing. “I don’t think I have a mental edge because I have won before, but I think my edge is my love for supercross and I enjoy it,” Reed said. “I love motocross but supercross is it. That is the one thing I
Clearly the underdog, Reed managed to win nine THQ World Supercross GP and seven THQ AMA Supercross Series races in 2003. his move to the 250cc division and staged an attack on Ricky Carmichael’s championship title of two years. Clearly the underdog, Reed managed to win nine THQ World Supercross GP and seven THQ AMA Supercross Series races in 2003. Late in the season, he put together a six-race win streak, taking the momentum from Carmichael and setting the stage for an exciting 2004 season. “It was great to win the last six races,” Reed said. “It was my rookie season and I definitely made some rookie mistakes. It was the year to make those mistakes. I have to move on
want to look forward to. I have to step it up because Ricky is going to.” “I expect him to be the guy,” Carmichael said. “I think it will be himself or me out there. I look forward to racing him to see if my new set up that I have been working on is going to pay off. I have a lot of confidence from racing him in the outdoors; I learned a lot from him. I am ready to go for sure.” He was passionate to secure a spot on an American race team, but the road to get there came via the European GP circuit. “I had to race the GP circuit to get a ride in America,” Reed said. “That was why it is really tough to break into American racing, and that is why they have the best riders. They only take the best. You have to earn it. Australian Chad Reed has been burning up the track recently with wins in Anaheim, San Diego, San Francisco, Houston and Daytona.
… It feels great to earn a ride that way. When I finished second in the 250cc GP series, I finally earned my ride.” This year, the race between Reed and Carmichael is billed as one for the record books. Reed, who took home the THQ World Supercross GP championship, and Kawasaki’s Ezra Lusk were the only riders to defeat the talented Carmichael in 2003. Reed’s performance as a rookie established himself as a contender in 250cc supercross with nothing to lose. The rivalry between Reed and Carmichael goes beyond racing. The Yamaha rider once told Dirt Action magazine, “Ricky (Carmichael) is a really different person and I just don’t like him. I don’t like his attitude, I don’t like the things he says, and it’s as simple as that.” Things have changed for the better. “I think Ricky and I didn’t have a relationship,” Reed said. “We were so involved in the racing, trying to beat each other. We never respected each other. It’s different now. Something happened this summer that changed things. We can have a conversation now. I don’t need to hate someone to beat them. We all need to win races and it’s unfortunate that only one of us can.” It’s unusual for a rider to make such an impact in the 250cc class but Reed recognizes his hard work. “To be honest, I am not surprised with my success,” Reed said. “This is everything I have wanted to do. I have given up a lot for it. I think what I am getting is everything I put into it. I have so much fun and that is why it feels so great.” “We all have a lot to learn whether you are Carmichael, myself, or any other rider,” Reed said. “We will learn from each other. If you earn a win in this talented field of riders, you really deserve it.” ✹
The whole enchilada Height: 5' 9" Weight: 155 pounds Birth date: March 15, 1982 Birthplace: Kurri Kurri, Australia Residence: Lake Elsinore, Calif. Turned pro: 2002 Year-end rankings: 2003: 1st (WSXGP), 2nd (SX), 3rd (250MX) 2002: 1st (ESX), 3rd (125MX) 2003 career highlights: Captured the THQ World Supercross GP championship. In his first full season of 250cc Supercross Reed, reeled off nine wins, including Arnhem; Holland; Anaheim (Round 1); San Diego; St. Louis; Houston; Pontiac, Mich.; Dallas; Salt Lake City; and Las Vegas. He earned six straight victories in the second half of the season and pushed the series title chase to the final event where Reed finished a close runner-up to Ricky Carmichael in the THQ AMA Supercross. Earned four podium finishes in THQ AMA 250 Motocross and finished third in the final standings. Rode for Team Yamaha.
Personal: Enjoys golfing and spending time at home. Grew interest in riding because his cousin, Craig Anderson, was into the sport. Began riding and started racing at age 3. Nickname is Reedy or Skippy. Fiancee, Ellie Brady.
James “Bubba” Stewart, No. 259 The real deal Height: 5' 6" Weight: 141 pounds Birth Date: Dec. 21, 1985 Birthplace: Bartow, Fla. Residence: Haines City, Fla. Turned Pro: 2002 Year-end rankings: 2003: 1st (WSX); 3rd (125 MX) 2002: 2nd (WSX); 1st (125 MX) 2003 career highlights: Won seven of eight rounds of the 125 Western Regional AMA Supercross Series, including Phoenix, Anaheim (Round 2), San Francisco, Anaheim (Round 3), San Diego, Dallas and Salt Lake City, to easily win the title. Missed the first four rounds of the AMA 125 Motocross Series, but upon return to the series he reeled off seven straight victories and finished third in the championship. Moved to fourth on the all-time AMA 125 Motocross wins list with 17-career victories. Rode for Team Kawasaki. Personal: Began racing ATVs at the age of 4. The Stewart family owns 40 acres of farmland in Haines City, Fla., where they have developed supercross and motocross tracks. The family runs a motocross training school on their property, a two-week program open to riders of all ages and skill levels. Stewart’s father, James Sr., raced locally in Florida, while his brother Malcolm, 8, is a rising star on the Florida motocross scene. Stewart chose his number in honor of his friend Tony Haines, a former Florida motocross racer who was paralyzed in an accident and wore the number 259.
At 17, James “Bubba” Stewart has emerged as one of supercross’ greatest riders. Stewart became the first AfricanAmerican to ever win a supercross title in 2003 and won the 125cc AMA motocross championship in 2002 aboard his Kawasaki KX 125cc motorcycle. Raised in a middle class family in Haines City, Fla., this wonder kid has more than the attention of hard-core race fans; he’s garnered a respectable mainstream audience as well. “The Jimmy Kimmel Live Show,” “The Best Damn Sports Show Period,” ESPN Magazine, Sports Illustrated
the 120 laps; second-place finisher Travis Preston led a mere 13. Stewart’s final supercross race of 2003 at the Dave Coombs Sr. East/West Shootout, a one-off race between the best East and West Coast 125cc riders, ended disastrously. While working his way through the field, the aggressive Stewart overshot a jump, sending him to the ground. He suffered a broken collarbone, which forced him to miss the first four outdoor motocross races. Once he joined the 125cc AMA motocross championship, he won every moto he
ones that help motivate me on the track. So if they want me to ride a 250, even if I’m so young with not much experience, then that tells me that they think a lot of me. I have a long career ahead of me and riding a 250 takes experience and maturity,
Stewart entered the professional ranks in 2002, running the now well branded No. 259 to commemorate his friend Tony Haines, who was paralyzed in a racing accident and wore No. 259. and more have highlighted Stewart’s accomplishments. Moreover, he was chosen by Teen People magazine as one of the Top 20 teens that will change the world. Dedicated to the sport he loves, Stewart understands his responsibility in taking the sport to the next level. “I enjoy being in the spotlight and look forward to helping take the sport to the mainstream,” Stewart said. “I feel like (Jeremy) McGrath and other riders before me have done an excellent job in raising the sport to this level, and now it’s my turn to do my part in taking it to the next level.” Stewart entered the professional ranks in 2002, running the now well branded No. 259 to commemorate his friend Tony Haines, who was paralyzed in a racing accident and wore No. 259. Stewart’s rise to stardom started in the amateur ranks, where he earned a record 11 national championships, breaking 250cc THQ AMA Supercross Series champion Ricky Carmichael’s record. His momentum hasn’t stopped. In 2003, he won seven of the eight 125cc Western Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series races, winning the championship by 59 points and led 85 of
entered; yet, mathematically he was unable to win the championship. In dominating the 125cc competition week after week, Stewart spent his time answering countless questions about his 250cc debut. There were early talks about him racing the 250cc West Coast rounds and joining the 125cc Eastern 2003, James “Bubba” Stewart became the first African-American to Regional THQ AMA Supercross Series. In ever win a supercross title. This made sense as Stewart once said he both mentally and physically.” wanted to become the first racer to win Hailed as the next best thing as a rookie every motocross championship in America, in 2002, Stewart has backed up his the 125cc Eastern and Western Regional trash-talkin’ ways and wants to help take THQ AMA Supercross Series, and the 125cc the sport to the next level. and 250cc motocross championships. “I have a lot of respect for Jeremy,” After months of uncertainty, the rumor of Stewart said. “He carried the sport on his him joining the 250cc ranks would never back during the ’90s and took it to a level manifest. On Oct. 7, 2003, Kawasaki issued that no one ever expected. We now have a press release, stating he would spend one sold out stadiums and the sport is at an more year on the 125cc machine in an all-time high. I take a lot of pride in doing effort to adjust to the bigger bike. things for the sport and not just for myself. Nonetheless, Stewart handles the fan I hope that when my career is finished that pressure like a professional. people can compare me to someone like “I look at it as a compliment,” said McGrath.” ✹ Stewart of the 250cc hype. “When I go out on the track, I always give it my best and do everything for the fans. They are the