California, Dec 25: Seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath has retired. After dislocating his hip and suffering a concussion in recent months, McGrath decided to call it quits. The 11-year Supercross veteran, who had signed with KTM for 2003, was preparing for another season of indoor competition. McGrath cleared up any speculation about his future Tuesday when he confirmed his decision to Rick Johnson of supercross.com. "I've always told myself that when I have other things on my mind besides giving 100 percent and winning, that I would retire," McGrath told Johnson. "Earlier this year I dislocated my hip, and after that I had a concussion. Ever since then I've been tentative on the bike, and not giving it 100 percent. I'm not going to go out and ride around midpack, when people and companies have hired me to be near the front of the pack, and winning."
An official announcement is expected on press day at the season-opening event in Anaheim, Calif. McGrath has been a star in Supercross since 1991, when he won the first of his two 125cc West titles. In 1993, McGrath joined with Team Honda and won the first of his seven 250cc crowns. In four seasons with Honda, McGrath won four straight Supercross titles, as well as the 1995 AMA Motocross championship.
In 1997, McGrath switched manufacturers and signed with Suzuki. But after finishing a disappointing second in the Supercross standings, he bolted for Team Chaparral Yamaha the following year. In three seasons with Team Chaparral, McGrath claimed three more championships.
McGrath decided to start his own team in 2001. He rode his own Yamaha to a second-place finish in 2001 and a third-place effort in 2002. In 11 seasons, McGrath claimed 72 indoor victories.


Bureau Report