The Indy Supercross is tonight and when I think Indy Supercross I think of Mike LaRocco’s emotional victory in the old RCA Dome in front of his home-state crowd. LaRocco had won a lot of races over the years, but had never gotten the victory at his home Supercross.

How did LaRocco rate his career? “It was awesome to be able to ride motorcycles for a living,” he reflected. “Having won a 250 championship was one of the greatest moments. My best individual race, that’s tough; there have been so many. I’d have to say that my Supercross win in Indianapolis was probably the one I’ll remember most.”

Two years after that win LaRocco announced his retirement at the Indy Supercross.

This photo is of LaRocco grinding out practice laps in the Honda test track during the off season before 2006. It’s the hours spent testing and training that paid off for LaRocco and made him one of the toughest competitors even into his mid 30s.

Mike LaRocco going through a whoop section during testing and training for the 2006 season. LaRocco was 35 year old that year and still very competitive. (Honda Press Kit photo)