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 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," Speed said in a pre-race teleconference.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.

F-1 officials admit they need American interest - and potentially, an American star - to build up their sport in this country.

Last year's U.S.

Grand Prix didn't help after a squabble over Michelin tires depleted the field to six starters.Speed's route to F-1 started with go-karts.

By 12, he was a national karting champion.

To start his open-wheel racing career, Speed won...

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