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Encinitas Supercross icon Jeremy McGrath to retire after one last race

By Maggie Grainger

August 21, 2006

San Diego--Some people spend their entire lives playing it safe. Seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath isn’t one of those people.

The Encinitas resident can’t afford to be cautious. His career is all about taking risks – whether it’s doing elaborate flips off of a ramp or racing other motocross athletes for the top prize in a daredevil event.

“Take the biggest roller coaster in the world and you haven’t even come close to how it feels,” McGrath said. “The adrenaline rush – you just can’t replace it.”

It wasn’t long before he was winning big time competitions and earned the nickname “The King of Supercross.”

Now that the 34-year-old is at the top of his game he said he thinks it’s a good time to hang up the helmet – mainly because he recently became a father.

McGrath and his wife recently had a baby girl and the thrill-seeker admits he’s looking at life with a whole new perspective now that there’s a little one at home.

“It’s very natural to want to be a provider,” he said.

But don’t let his sensitive side fool you. McGrath said he’s ready to take on X-Games champion Travis Pastrana and other Supercross heavy hitters like Davi Millsaps and Tyler Evans at the Invitational and he’s geared up to take home the hefty sized pot as well – a half million dollars – the largest in Supercross history.

“I’m excited for the races the most,” he said. “It’s my place to really shine. It’s my court and I really get to show everyone what I’ve got. I plan to win the money.”

As for the competition, well, McGrath isn’t too concerned.

“I’m not worried about Travis,” he said about the current X-Game champion and one of his biggest competitors. “He crashes a lot so he’s gonna have to stay on the bike to win.”

He said no matter what happens, he’s excited to race his friends one last time.

While retiring from the sport that made him a star is bittersweet, McGrath said he looks forward to turning his attention to other interests – mainly golf.

“I really enjoy the golfing,” he said with a laugh.

- The Jeremy McGrath Invitational will air on Oct. 22 on NBC.

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