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59 °F Forecast | Road Cams Saturday, October 9, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 2, 2004 Legendary McGrath to headline supercross By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune WHITE CITY — Southern Oregon Speedway promoter John Skinner wanted to bring supercross racing to the Rogue Valley. What better way to introduce the sport than to invite the king himself. Seven-time American Motorcyclist Association champion Jeremy McGrath, along with the top riders in Oregon, California and Washington, is set to compete in the inaugural Oregon Supercross Championship tonight at the Southern Oregon Speedpark. The lineup of events includes a sportsman MX race and a supercross race, including professional, intermediate and exhibition classes. A $5,000 purse will be awarded in the pro race. Gates open at 6 a.m. for amateur races and 5 p.m. for the pro event, followed by a 5:30 autograph session with the legendary McGrath. Opening ceremonies are at 6:45 and race time is scheduled for 7. Advertisement Admission is $20 for general admission, $10 for kids ages 6-12 and $5 for children 5-under. Supercross, which differs slightly from motocross in that it is held in larger venues, has grown rapidly in popularity the last few years. Attendance at major events has increased from around 700,000 to 1.5 million spectators a year. That should be apparent tonight, where Skinner expects more than 3,000 in attendance. "I’m really a motocross fan," said Skinner, who spent the last six months organizing the event in conjunction with the California Motorcycle Association Bounty Hunter series. "This will easily be the biggest thing all year for us." McGrath is the main attraction, but other recognizable names in supercross will also be in attendance. Mike Alessi, a 16-year-old phenom, and arenacross competitor Jeff Willow should give McGrath a run for his money. Wolfe Creek resident Tiger Lacy is the fastest rider in the area, according to Skinner, and will be the top local competitor. They’ll all be chasing McGrath and his legacy, however. The 32-year-old retired two years ago from supercross but has started a slow comeback. Just this year, he’s competed in and won four CMA Bounty Hunter MX series events. "I’ve never been to Medford, so (the race) will be a fun deal," said McGrath, who drove up from his home in San Diego on Friday. "I’m excited about being involved in this." McGrath has been called the Michael Jordan of supercross, and his long list of achievements in the sport fits the description. He has a supercross-best 72 250cc career main event wins — including a record 14 in one season — and has finished the season ranked No. 1 seven times since turning pro in 1989. McGrath has also claimed 11 major championships — including seven AMA, two 125 west supercross, two world supercross and one 250 national title. In 2003, McGrath became the youngest racer ever inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. "I’d race anywhere from 25 to 30 weekends a year," said McGrath, who was also twice selected in the 1990s to represent the United States in the Motocross des Nations. "It kept me pretty busy." McGrath first gained interest in the sport when he was 11 and started competing in bicycle motocross. Nearly six years later, he turned pro and helped revolutionize the sport. Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities