Page 20 - Issue_39

CHAD REED
450 SX / 4TH
IMAGE /MPG WORDS /ROEWER DESIGN / WILSON
>> Chad Reed is looking to go out with a bang this 2017 season. After getting a podium finish in Phoenix, the Yamaha rider has had a difficult time finding his way back to the front. The two-time cham- pion qualified into Toronto around sixth place. Really itching to get back on the podium Reed charged hard out of the gate for his heat race, getting a good start behind Marvin Musquin. Not wasting any time Reed flew by the #25 KTM rider putting himself into first place. Looking as comfortable as ever on his Yamaha he secured himself his first heat race win of the 2017 season and his 73rd of his career. A veteran to the class Reed knows how to get a holeshot. With the power of his Factory Yamaha racing 450 he had no problem sliding into the first turn well within the top ten. Sitting around sixth place after the first lap Reed was fighting to work his way back to the po- dium. Before the fifth lap of the main he passed the rookie Malcom Stewart for fifth place, but quickly lost the position to Ryan Dungey. Now back to where he started a frustrated Reed was fighting the rough track conditions and Millsaps. Battling it out Reed was able
to make the pass moving back into fifth. After Bagget goes down the Yamaha rider moved up another spot into fourth. Just one away from that coveted podium spot Reed was working overtime to get there. But time was not on his side and the race was over before he had the chance to catch Broc Tickle for that third place spot. Not his best finish of the season but not his worst Reed went through the checkers in Toronto sitting in fourth place.
20 GRITMOTO • MARCH 5, 2017