Reed set to resume AMA Motocross fight at Freestone National
Chad Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports/BelRay Racing outfit are ready to tough it out in Texas this weekend, eyeing two AMA Pro Motocross wins in a row at the Freestone National in Wortham.
Reed went 2-1 at Hangtown last weekend to claim the overall victory but knows the competition will be eager to step it at the second of twelve rounds on the calendar.
Despite limited pre-season testing opportunities, the Aussie came out firing at the first round, and is eager to tackle Freestone’s mix of speed and technical sections, including the infamous sand whoops, head on.
“The team was really pumped to get the win in Hangtown, it made all the hard work and long hours between the end of the Supercross season worth it,” said Reed.
“We’re making the new bike work for us and I’m feeling really comfortable on it. It’s factory spec but we’ve refined it further to how I ride, and the weight and the hydraulic clutch are big positives.
“The outdoors season is shorter than Supercross but it’s just as, if not more taxing on the body. The tracks vary and the weather conditions play a part, so it’s important to have a really solid core fitness, prepare well and be smart about recovery.
“The signs are good for us. There are always things to work on but overall we are feeling strong and having a lot of fun out there which is always a big part of racing.”
While Reed’s resume may suggest Supercross is his forte, he was able to win in his debut season of racing AMA Pro Motocross in 2009 and will again be a threat in 2011 as his TwoTwo Motorsports team strengthens.
He heads the 450cc class standings on 47 points ahead of rivals Ryan Dungey and Ryan Villopoto who he battled with to the last race of a climactic Supercross season just a few weeks ago.
Following practice, riders will contest two 35-minute motos to determine points and placings for the round.
450 Class Championship Standings
1. Chad Reed, Australia, Honda – 47
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 47
3. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 40
4. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 33
5. Brett Metcalfe, Australia, Suzuki – 32
6. Davi Millsaps, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha – 32
7. Tommy Hahn, Decatur, Texas, Yamaha – 26
8. Christophe Pourcel, France, Yamaha – 24
9. Ricky Dietrich, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha – 22
10. Christian Craig, Hemet, Calif., Honda – 18
