Supercross legend McGrath to retire?

According to reports from America, seven-times Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath is set to announce his retirement in a press conference prior to the opening round of the 2003 AMA Supercross championship, at Anaheim, on January 2nd.

"I've always told myself that when I have other things on my mind besides giving 100% and winning, that I would retire," McGrath is reported telling fellow former champion Rick Johnson on Supercross.com.

"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%. I'm not going to go out and ride around mid-pack, when people and companies have hired me to be near the front of the pack, and winning," explained MC.

"I've definitely struggled with the thought of it. This morning I had a long discussion with my wife Kim, my Mom and Dad, my mechanic Skip, and my team manager Larry," the winner of a record 72 Supercross main events added. "We decided it was the best thing to do. It's the right time to make the transition."

McGrath first rose to prominence in 1991, winning the 125cc West coast Supercross series, which he successfully defended the following year. A move to 250s in '93 brought instant success and begun a run of four consecutive AMA titles with Honda.

A switch to Suzuki in 1997 saw him finish runner-up to Jeff Emig, but when he signed to ride a Yamaha the following year he returned to the top, winning a further three consecutive SX crowns from '98 to 2000, before being beaten by Ricky Carmichael in 2001 and 2002 while Jeremy was riding for his own 'McGrath Racing' outfit

Although not as well known for his Outdoor ability, McGrath proved his critic's wrong by triumphing in the 1995 250cc Nationals and guiding Team USA to Motocross des Nations victory.

The former BMX star, who became the most famous motocross rider of all time, had signed a multi-year deal with KTM for the 2003 season. It is thought this and other issues, such as whether Jeremy will continue as a team owner, will be discussed at the pre-Anaheim press conference.