Ulcerative Colitis

"The reputation of American drivers in Europe is not the best," said Speed, who drives for the new Italy-based team of Scuderia Toro Rosso.

"But I don't worry too much about it.

I'm just hoping to change some opinions." In the realm of international auto racing, Americans are considered driving-impaired.

There have been only two Formula One champions from the United States - Phil Hill in 1961 and Mario Andretti in 1978 - and no American has even been behind a wheel in the prestigious series since Michael Andretti in 1993.

Now along comes a Northern Californian with the perfect name for racing.

But Speed's coming-out party will occur with precious little fanfare in this country, and that's exactly why much is riding on his success or failure.

Formula One is considered the glamorous, globe-trotting pinnacle of auto racing, competing in exotic locales like Monaco and the small Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain.

But it's barely a blip on the U.S.

sports radar - where NASCAR Nation rules - because the best drivers traditionally are from Europe and South America.

One indication of just how dismissive other Formula One drivers are of Americans came last summer when Englishman Jenson Button was asked how Speed had performed after he had an oppo...

It can be detected very early on if, beginning at age 50, you follow the proper screening schedules, including a yearly fecal occult blood test, where your stool is checked for blood; a sigmoidoscopy every five years to look inside the rectum and colon for polyps or other abnormal areas; a double-contrast barium enema every five years where X-rays are taken of your intestines; and a colonoscopy that looks inside the rectum and the entire colon for polyps every 10 years.

If pre-cancerous polyps are detected, they can be removed to prevent colorectal cancer.

If colorectal cancer is found, your doctor may recommend radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy either before or after surgery to remove the tumor.

Much of what type of treatment you receive depends on the location and stage of the cancer, your overall health and family history.

Colorectal cancer does have a high survival rate, with more than 90 percent of patients living five years after initial diagnosis.

“Talking about colorectal cancer can be embarrassing for many people, but taking advantage of the screening processes available is extremely important.

As with any form of cancer, the key to treating and potentially curing colorectal cancer is...

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...