Ulcerative Colitis

While driving, he had to worry about his bowels, too.

"But it's something that was a huge character builder, when you can walk around the racetrack and still perform wearing diapers and have self-dignity," Speed said, noting he's had no attacks in a year.

After surviving that disease and constant pressure to perform, Speed won't let the weight of great expectations slow him down.

"I don't personally try to think about the responsibility I hold, although I am aware of it," Speed said in a pre-race teleconference.

"I know that this is my opportunity in my life that I've been given and, if I mess it up, it's no one's fault but my own." With an all-too-perfect name in a sport best known in the United States recently for tire issues, Speed will try to succeed.

Indy Racing star Michael Andretti tried F-1 in 1993 and soon quit.

Only two Americans have won an F-1 title: Phil Hill in 1961 and Mario Andretti, Michael's father, in 1978.

The F-1 tour makes only one U.S.

stop - the United States Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 2.

"I am so looking forward to it," said Julie Speed, Scott's mother, who will attend that race.

Mike Speed will watch their son's debut in Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf.

"I'll be watching at home on a big screen at 3 a.m.

with some friends," Julie said.

"The last ...

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