Chad Reed rewarded with a podium finish at Budd’s Creek AMA Motocross

San Manuel Yamaha pilot Chad Reed’s weekend return to outdoor
motocross competition proved a successful move, and the Aussie
rounded out the event in third place overall after a strong pair of
motos.

Despite not having raced in the AMA Outdoors for some time,
Reed was eager to give it his all on one of his all-time favourite
tracks, Budd’s Creek, the site of the fourth round of the national
motocross series.

Near-perfect conditions greeted the star-studded field of riders,
and Reed wasted little time as the gates dropped on the opening
moto, rocketing straight to third and settling in comfortably
behind a fiercely duelling Ricky Carmichael and James Stewart.

Satisfied that his position would help him achieve his goal of a
top-five finish for the round, Reed stayed in check but opted to
cruise behind the lead duo, greeting the chequered flag for third
place.

A less than perfect start in the second and deciding moto saw
Reed fending off challenges from all fronts, and he made
breaking free of the pack his primary focus.

Considering his absence from outdoor competition for such an
extended period of time, it was a testament to Reed’s ability that
he was able to find something extra and fly home in fourth.

The combined results gave him a deserved third place for the
round, and he was extremely satisfied with the performance.

“I went into the round with high expectations, and really wanted
to finish within the top 5 as I hadn’t really raced outdoors for a
while,” said Reed.

“To come home in third is fantastic, it was great fun and I felt as
though I’d picked up where I left off.” “I’d been doing quite a bit
of training, even in my break away, and it really paid off. The
crowd was very welcoming and the track was great to ride.”

Reed will continue to train over the coming weeks in preparation
for his next competitive venture. Motorcycling Australia, 06 18 07