They make it look so easy. Or so it seems.Welcome to 125cc and 250cc StadiumMotorcycle Racing.

For the uninitiated to the sport ofsupercross, it’s a volatile mixture of speed,talent, luck, skill, adrenaline-pumping jumps,spine-cracking landings, and in the end, avictor who overcomes all those elements.

With this kind of action, it’s easy to seewhy the supercross series is taking off inpopularity in the United States. The track is

close up and there’s no bad seat in the house.It’s also a sport that welcomes families — thisSaturday’s race features a Family Sectionthat’s alcohol-free.

THQ World Supercross GP is a 17-roundglobal series produced and promoted by ClearChannel Entertainment and Dorna Off RoadS.L. Riders must compete in the internationalrounds to be eligible to win the worldchampionship. In 2003-2004, the 17-eventTHQ World Supercross GP includes twointernational events in Seville, Spain andArnhem, Holland, and 15 of the 16 THQ AMASupercross Series events are conducted inmajor cities throughout the United States. ATHQ AMA Supercross Series rider will becrowned as the national champion for theevents conducted in the United States only.

This Saturday night, that series comes to

the RCA Dome for a night of unforgettableracing on the indoor custom-built dirt trackfilled with plenty of rough terrain.

The top supercross riders in the world willbe in town for the event: David Vuillemin,Chad Reed, James “Bubba” Stewart are just afew of the riders battling hills, valleys andeach other for the checkered flag.

In a sport where your body is covered withdirt and a bone-jarring injury is one dirt hillaway, one rider has the moxie to stay

airborne. A Michigan City kid and South Bendresident, Mike “The Rock” LaRocco is well-known to fans of the sport as the “Iron Man,”not only due to his three decades of racingprofessionally, but he’s also sustained manyinjuries while racing that would have ended alesser man’s career.

LaRocco’s past experiences at the RCADome 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 pointin the race. I’ve been recently ironing out

those starts in those first couple of laps …which is the difference between where I amat now and winning,” he said.

At a recent race in Daytona, LaRocco fell atthe beginning of the race but was able torecover and even scored a third-place podiumfinish, the sixth time he’s accomplished thatfeat this season.

For those who have never attended asupercross race, the experience of being aspectator is more in your face than mostother kinds of racing.

“It’s a pretty intense sport. In a stadiumyou can see everything going on … rightthere on the floor. We’re jumping 30 feet upin the air and 70 feet across; it’s prettyexciting to watch that kind of racing. It’spretty cool for most people,” LaRocco said.

LaRocco is still having a great time ridingcompetitively, despite his recent injuries. Heattributes his 16-year career in the sport tohis love of racing. At 33, LaRocco is at a pointin his career where most riders have alreadyretired or have been forced to hang it up dueto the bone-breaking nature of the sport.

Recently, LaRocco completed a record-breaking 200th race and doesn’t seem to beanywhere close to stopping.

“I’m just not ready to retire at this point. I still like doing it. I’m still learning andaccepting the challenge,” LaRocco said.

For this Hoosier native, the only thingsstopping him from racing is a gnarly hill of dirt, a flat tire or the checkered flag. ✵

For local rider Mike LaRocco, getting dirty is just a way of life

By Joe Soria Custom Publications

For the uninitiated to the sport of supercross, it’s avolatile mixture of speed, talent, luck, skill, adrenaline-pumping jumps and spine-cracking landings.

The iron man

Height: 5' 11" Weight: 189 lbs.Birth date: Feb. 12, 1971Birthplace: Michigan City, Ind.Residence: South Bend, Ind.Turned pro: 1987

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’smost fit riders. Hobbies include jet skiing,radio-controlled cars and computers.Racing heroes: Marty Smith and BobHannah. Father raced motorcycles. Avidradio listener. Enjoys health foods, pasta andGranny Smith apples.

Leigh Hedger Custom Publications Editor (317) 444-7038

Beth Winchell Custom Publications Graphics Supervisor (317) 444-7283

Joe SoriaCustom Publications Senior Graphic Designer

Dave WilsonCustom 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.

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