Thursday, October 4

McGrath to Race US Open

It's official: Jeremy McGrath, the seven-time Supercross champion, will race the 2001 THQ U.S. Open, The World's Richest Motorcycle Race. But not only is he coming to win the race, he's hoping to raise some money for charity in the meantime.

The King of Supercross will return at the US Open to win, and raise some money for charity.

While McGrath has won virtually every motocross and Supercross championship on the map, the THQ U.S. Open remains one of the few he hasn't. McGrath, Encinitas, Calif., finished the 2001 Supercross second behind Ricky Carmichael, marking the second time in nine years that McGrath has not won the championship. He is ready for revenge.

"Basically, Jeremy just plans on coming and winning $100,000," said Tim Clark, Director of the THQ U.S. Open. "I met with he and Larry a few weeks back and I've got to tell you, Jeremy is on a mission. He's in the best shape. He's training incredibly hard. No question, he wants the title back. I think the Open will be the start of his comeback. One thing for sure, it's going to make for some very interesting betting odds."

In addition, McGrath is creating a once-in-a-lifetime souvenir t-shirt to help aid the victims and families affected in the September 11 tragedies. All proceeds from the t-shirt will be donated to the clearchannel.com relief fund in McGrath's name. The only place to purchase this shirt will be at the event.

McGrath's only appearance at the THQ U.S. Open was in its inaugural year, 1998, where he finished third.

Tickets for this year's THQ U.S. Open can be purchased online at www.ussx.com through the MGM Grand box office or by calling Ticketmaster at 702-474-4000. Chaparral Motorsports also has tickets available by calling 800-841-2960.

For hotel reservations, contact the MGM Grand Hotel at (800) 929-1111 or visit the Las Vegas Reservation System's web site, www.lvrs.com, or call them directly at (800) 233-5594. Book now, as hotel space in Las Vegas becomes extremely limited that time of year.