Popularity soars along with riders

Flying 70 feet above the track at speeds exceeding 60 mph, supercross racers feel the ultimate adrenaline rush -- it’s the most fun a rider can have on two wheels.

But if the sport’s passionate fans are any indication, you don’t need to be on a bike to catch the thrill. It’s just as exciting to watch from the stands as swarms of colorfully dressed riders on packs of buzzing bikes careen into turns and zigzag above and across the dirt, leaving plumes of dust and exhaust in their wake.

Saturday, at the U.S. kickoff of the THQ AMA Supercross Series at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium (formerly Edison International Field), an anticipated 45,000 attendees will fork out a minimum of $30 a head in exchange for an evening of deafening noise, suffocating exhaust and demonstrations of death-defying skill by the sport’s finest. And millions more will tune in to ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” and ESPN2, both of which rebroadcast series’ events throughout the season.

“An upgraded TV package, more recognizable superstars, more mainstream sponsors -- all of those and many other things have sort of contributed to supercross becoming much more popular,” said Ken Hudgens, vice president of marketing for Clear Channel Entertainment Motor Sports, the promoter.

Supercross took hold in the 1970s when promoters moved motocross races -- generally conducted in rural areas -- into urban stadium settings. The term “supercross” (a hybrid of “motocross” and “Super Bowl”) stuck when an early race was held at the L.A. Coliseum in 1972.

Interest in the sport escalated in the late ‘80s, when superstar Jeremy McGrath raced on to the scene, scoring dozens of supercross wins and titles and, as a result, drawing a flurry of media attention -- and fans -- to the high-flying sport.

“Jeremy McGrath in particular was the persona that helped get supercross where it was in the early ‘80s to where it is now,” said Hudgens.

“His dominance on the racetrack and his personality really helped take the sport to a new level.”

These days, it isn’t just motorcycle and clothing companies sponsoring supercross but major car, beer and video game makers. The result: more money and more competitors. This season, 200 riders will kick-start their bikes and speed on to the track, hoping they can ride fast enough and place high enough to win a share of the millions of dollars top riders take home annually.

“You can make pretty good money in this sport,” said Andrew Short, a 21-year-old racer who recently bought his first house with his earnings. He is ranked fourth after competing in the series’ first two events in Europe.

Like all supercross competitors, Short is also a professional motocross rider. Supercross, which has tracks that require both physical strength and exceptional technical riding skill, is open to only male professionals.

Supercross may have its roots in motocross racing, the summer-season sport that takes place on outdoor tracks that are typically longer and more spread out for speed, but indoor tracks are shorter and tighter to allow for the sport’s calling card -- big jumps.

“I like supercross just because of the jumping,” said Short, who’s been tagged as one of the sport’s rising stars. “It’s the best feeling.”

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A supercross primer

What it is: An off-road motorcycle race on a sculpted dirt track inside a stadium.

When it started: 1976

This year’s season: Began in Seville, Spain, in December and ends in Las Vegas on May 1. Three of the season’s 18 events are in Anaheim.

Average attendance at Anaheim events in 2003: 45,000

Total attendance at 20 supercross events in 2003: 812,000

Who’s riding: About 200 riders compete in the series in two classes. The top five racers after two events this season are Grant Langston, Tyler Evans, Daryl Hurley, Andrew Short and Heath Voss.

They ride: 125cc or 250cc dirt bikes

How fast they go: 60 mph

How high they jump: 70 feet

How much money they make: A top rider can earn more than $1 million a year.

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THQ AMA Supercross Series

When: Saturday, Jan. 17 and

Jan. 31

Where: Angel Stadium, formerly Edison International Field,

2000 Gene Autry Way,

Anaheim

Cost: Advance tickets are $30, $45, $75; $2 more if purchasing tickets day of show.

Info: www.supercross.cc.com