Mike LaRocco

Mike LaRocco (born February 12, 1971) is an American former professional Motocross and Supercross racer. He is often referred to as "LaRocket" or "the rock" and raced a Kawasaki 125, 250, 500cc two strokes. He also raced 250cc two strokes for Suzuki then 250cc two strokes and later 450cc Honda four-stroke dirt bikes.

Born in Michigan City, Indiana, LaRocco was a pro from 1988 to 2006,^[1] a record 19 seasons. He made his 214th start in 2005, also a record. LaRocco won the 500cc Motocross title in 1993,^[1] the 250cc Motocross title in 1994, and has also won the 2000 World Supercross and 2002 U.S. Open Supercross Championships. In 2002 another rider caused LaRocco to crash at a small town Supercross event. The accident caused LaRocco to dislocate his wrist and tear ligaments in his leg. The injury caused him to discontinue the Supercross season, the first time in seven years he had not participated. In 2006, LaRocco announced his retirement.^[1] At the time of his announcement, he had finished in the top five 145 times.^[2] He is considered one of the greatest riders of all time.

LaRocco currently lives in Corona, California. On July 3, 2014, it was announced that LaRocco had been elected as a member of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2014.^[3]

LaRocco's Leap

In 1991, a 120 ft triple jump was constructed at Red Bud Motocross track in Buchanan, MI. It was modeled after "Kong", a large jump found at LaRocco's personal track. LaRocco and track co-owner Tim Ritchie decided to build a jump just like it at the Red Bud track. It was later named after LaRocco, after he became the first person to clear it, doing so on a 125cc bike.

Achievements

• 1988
  • 3rd in AMA 125 cc Eastern Region Supercross Series
• 1989
  • 2nd in AMA 125 cc Western Region Supercross Series
• 1990
  • 3rd in AMA 250 cc National Motocross Series
• 1991
  • 5th in AMA 250 cc National Motocross Series
• 1992
  • 2nd in AMA 125 cc National Motocross Series
• 1993
  • 1st in AMA 500 cc National Motocross Series
  • 2nd in AMA 250 cc National Motocross Series
• 1994
  • 1st in AMA 250 cc National Motocross Series
  • 2nd in AMA/Camel 250 cc Supercross Series
• 1995
  • 6th in AMA 250 cc U.S. Supercross Series
• 1996
  • 3rd in AMA 250 cc National Motocross Series
• 1997
  • 5th in AMA 250 cc National Motocross Series
• 1998
  • 3rd in AMA/Mazda Trucks 250 cc Motocross Nationals
• 1999
  • 3rd AMA 250 cc U.S. Supercross Series
  • 3rd AMA/Mazda Trucks 250 cc Motocross Nationals
• 2000
  • 1st Supercross World Championship
• 2001
  • 3rd AMA/EA Sports Supercross Series
• 2002
  • 1st THQ U.S. Open Supercross Championship^[4]
• 2003
  • 5th U.S. Open 250 cc Supercross Championship
• 2004
  • 3rd THQ/AMA 250 cc Supercross Series
  • 3rd US Open 250 cc Supercross Championship
• 2005
  • Made 214th AMA Supercross Start
  • 5th THQ/AMA 250 cc Supercross Series
• 2006
  • March 2, After 228 main event starts, LaRocco announced at the Indianapolis Supercross press conference that he would retire at the end of the season.

References

1. Short, Jim (2006-03-09). "Leader may be forced to leave door open". The Press-Enterprise. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
2. Peltz, Jim (2006-03-10). "Irwindale Still Accelerating". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2010-05-22.
3. "LaRocco Latest AMA Hall Of Fame Inductee". National Speed Sport News. Turn 3 Media LLC. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
4. Wolf, Jeff (2003-10-12). "Veteran Supercross rider keeps rolling". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved 2010-05-22.