REED READY FOR PHEONIX

Chad Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports outfit are eager to build on what was learnt at the Monster Energy AMA Supercross season opener last weekend as they prepare for the Phoenix event at Chase Field in two days time.

Reed finished fifth on debut at the helm of his own team at Anaheim 1, a solid result considering the time-limited leadup.

Now considered a veteran of the world’s toughest championship, Reed attributes his flexibility as both team owner and rider to his earlier days in the sport as a privateer.

“To succeed in this sport you really need a good understanding of how the team around you works – how the pieces of the puzzle go together and what everyone within the team does,” he explained.

“As a kid I always hung around race shops and got a feel for what the mechanics were doing. I learnt pretty quickly how important the relationship between a rider and team was.

“My most successful years have been with teams that always sought my feedback and valued my input. The way that feedback was processed by the team reflected in the bike and the way I ride it.

“Our team is working very well together. What we learnt in Anaheim we put into place during testing this week, and have come away with some suspension updates which I am comfortable with.”

The two-time Supercross champion said the biggest challenge of running a brand new team was that there was nothing – parts or physical data – to revert to if an obstacle was encountered.

“The hardest thing is that you work week to week without being able to go back through the data from last season or pick from last year’s parts; it’s a bit of trial and error.

“I am very happy in the way in which things are working out . Once we’ve established a steady baseline then I am confident results will come.”

Reed’s fifth place finish at Anaheim was the 110th top-5 of his career from 125 starts.

He is aiming for another consistent run at Chase Field, and a better start to ease the workload of charging back through the congested pack.

Supercross Class Season Standings

1. Ryan Villopoto, Seattle, Wash., Kawasaki, 25
2. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki, 22
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Florida, Yamaha, 20
4. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda, 18
5. Chad Reed, Dade City, Florida, Honda, 16
6. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda,15
7. Ivan Tedesco, Murrieta, Cali., Kawasaki, 14
8. Brett Metcalfe, Lake Elsinore, Cali., Suzuki, 13
9. Joshua Grant, Riverside, Cali., Honda, 12
10. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM, 11