MOTOCROSS : McGrath Seeks Fourth in Row at Anaheim

Although portions of earthquake-damaged Anaheim Stadium are still being repaired, the motocross course and enough seats to accommodate more than 50,000 spectators are ready for tonight’s Coors Light Challenge, third round of the Camel Supercross series.

The Jumbotron scoreboard collapsed during the temblor Jan. 17 and fell into the seats behind center field. An off-road race was postponed last Saturday, but engineers and construction personnel have been working around the clock to make the stadium safe for tonight’s event.

Jeremy McGrath, a winner for three consecutive years at Anaheim, is the heavy favorite to win again in the 20-lap race for 250cc cycles. McGrath, 22, won 125cc events in 1991 and 1992 before moving up to win the 250cc main event last year. McGrath then won nine more races and the 250cc championship.

The Murrieta rider has won the first two events this season, at Orlando, Fla., and Houston. In both races, Mike LaRocco, also 22, was second.

“Houston was the toughest race I’ve ever won,” McGrath said. “I thought when I took the lead, it was pretty much over. Then, all of a sudden, there was LaRocco. The pressure (he put on) was really intense.”

Tonight’s program, which also includes a 125cc support race, will start at 7:30.