rpm.espn.com: McGrath: 'I can do it again'

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Friday, March 9

McGrath: 'I can do it again'
By Jeremy McGrath
Special to ESPN.com

Last week's race in New Orleans was a tough one for me. It was an extremely technical course, but I felt good going into the race and started it well.

I took the holeshot and was leading until the fourth lap when RC (Ricky Carmichael) made a nice move to pass me. Then I fell and went over my handlebars on a landing ... that is something that you won't see out of me often. The fall alone made it tough enough to try to come back, but it also bent my handlebars, making it even more difficult to overcome riders like RC and Kevin Windham.

I am still not going to panic, but it is time to for me to get it together. A fourth-place finish hurt me in the points and I need to start making that up this week.

I am not out of it by a long shot, but I do feel a sense of urgency to go out and beat RC this week. I owe it to myself and to Team Mazda Yamaha, which has worked so hard to give me all the support that I have needed throughout the year.

RC is continuing to ride well. This was his fifth win in a row, and that is not an easy feat. I just need to loosen up a bit out there. I have done this a million times before and I can do it again.

A couple of weeks ago I said that all I had to do is continue to ride hard, dedicate myself on the practice track and eliminate my mistakes. I have accomplished the first of those two, but I have made a couple of critical mistakes that have cost me the last two races.

Daytona Beach, Fla., is RC's hometown, so the crowd will be behind him. I am just going to rely on the support of Team Mazda Yamaha, ride the race like I know I can and I am sure things will come together for a big victory.

Seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath will be providing a weekly diary for ESPN.com.

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