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CHAD REED
450 SX / A-1
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / LANNAN DESIGN / WILSON
>> For Chad Reed, racing isn’t about money or fame, it’s about being competitive and it is evident that he feels he can still be a threat for 2017. Chad is back at home on Yamaha for 2017 and is looking more confident than ever. There is no doubt that he still has the ability to win and it will
be interesting to see what he can do this season. Chad has always been known for surprising the industry with podiums and race wins when the other riders least expect it and there is no reason to count him out now. It is likely that the only time Reed won’t be assumed as a threat for the win is when he hangs up the boots which could be years from now. Although there is no telling what the future holds for Reed, it would not be a surprise if he were challenging for wins this season. Chad was ready to prove that once again when the day started in Anaheim. Reedy’s Yamaha got him off to a great start when the first Heat race of 2017 began. He came around the first turn in 3rd place and put down smooth and fast laps to finish there as well, punching his ticket to the Main Event. When the Gate dropped
for the Main, Reed got a terrible jump off the line and was clearly the last bike to go down the start straightaway. Somehow, he was able to keep on the gas and thread the needle as he squeezed his way through the pack around the first corner. The veteran was now just outside the top ten as the riders went bar to bar through the next corner. Reed made quick work of
a couple more riders in front of him and was sitting an incredible 9th place by the second lap. He continued to work on 8th place, Peick, lap after lap but couldn’t make the pass. With about six minutes left on the clock, Reed finally made an aggressive attempt and slammed into Peick, making an un- successful pass as his Yamaha began to smoke. Chad started to let riders by and would eventually pull into the mechanics area to let his bike rest in peace. He would be counted with 20th position once the riders finished the race. Chad’s night unfortunately ended early but there is no doubt he will use it as motivation for next weekend.
116 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 9, 2017