Reed celebrates his birthday with 11th consecutive podium finish
Defending World/AMA Supercross Champion, Chad Reed has retained the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship lead and remains the only rider to have stood on the dais at every round of the 2009 series after finishing second at New Orleans’ Louisiana Superdome tonight
Reed, who took victory in the previous two rounds, won his heat race comfortably before going head-to-head with rival James Stewart in the 20-lap ‘Main Event’. The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider got a great start and settled in behind Stewart as they hit the first turn. Reed then piled on the pressure and fought hard to find a way around his nemesis over the next ten laps.
Lapped traffic became a problem for Reed in the second half of the race when he lost time as he weaved his way past 13 of his competitors. The reigning champion keeping his podium record intact as he settled for second place.
“I struggled with passing the lappers tonight,” said Reed. “I tried to be patient and just didn’t make quick enough choices when I was coming through.
“For the first few laps I really felt like I had James (Stewart) but he stepped it up coming through the lapped traffic and didn’t hesitate at all.
“I just want to get out in front and ride a good solid race as I know I can beat him and it is my goal to prove that over the next couple of races,” Reed admitted.
The Australian, who turned 27 today, raced in front of family for the first time in nine years after wife Ellie surprised him by flying his parents, siblings and relatives over for the occasion.
While Reed retains an eight point lead in the championship he will have little time to reflect before he begins preparing for the next instalment in the 17 round series which will be contested on Saturday March 21 on track designed by action sports megastar Travis Pastrana.
AMA Supercross Results, New Orleans 1. James Stewart, Yamaha 2. Chad Reed, Suzuki / 5.5 secs 3. Broc Hepler, Yamaha / 28 secs 4. Kevin Windham, Honda / 31 secs 5. Andrew Short, Honda / 38 secs 6. Mike Alessi, Suzuki / 40 secs 7. Josh Grant, Yamaha / 41 secs 8. Justin Brayton, KTM 9. Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki 10. Matt Boni, Honda |
AMA SX Standings 1. Chad Reed, Suzuki, 246 2. James Stewart, Yamaha, 238 3. Andrew Short, Honda, 179 4. Ryan Villopoto, Kawasaki, 165 5. Josh Grant, Yamaha, 152 6. Ivan Tedesco, Honda, 148 7. Kevin Windham, Honda, 146 8. Mike Alessi, Suzuki, 146 9. Davi Millsaps, Honda, 139 10. Josh Hill, Yamaha, 102 |
AMA SX Lites 1. Austin Stroupe, Kawasaki 2. Branden Jesseman, Kawasaki / 3.3 secs 3. Blake Wharton, Honda / 16.7 secs 4. Chris Pourcel, Kawasaki / 29.3 secs 5. Wil Hahn, KTM / 30.7 secs 6. Darryn Durham, Yamaha / 32.7 secs 7. Daniel Blair, Honda / 37.8 secs 8. Broc Tickle, Yamaha / 39.7 secs 9. Matthew Goerke, Suzuki / 42 secs 10. Steven Clarke, Suzuki / 46 secs |
AMA SX Lites East Standings 1. Pourcel 115 2. Stroupe 84 3. Izzi 82 4. Jesseman 73 5. Hahn 68 6. Wharton 66 7. Davalos 57 8. Lemoine 51 9. Clarke 51 10. Goerke 50 |