Kurri Kurri’s Chad Reed has delivered Australia its latest motorcycling World Championship by winning the final round of the Monster Energy Drink AMA Supercross Series, an FIM World Championship at Sam Boyd Stadium this afternoon.
In what is being touted as the most incredible finish to a Supercross World Championship, Reed rode the final four rounds of the championship nursing a broken shoulder from a horrific practice crash three weeks ago. The Australian still maintained a 10 point lead as he went into today’s season finale.
Needing only to finish within six places of championship rival Kevin Windham, Reed was cautious off the start and sitting sixth as they rounded the first turn in the 20-lap Main Event. Not content with doing only what was necessary, Reed carved through the pack with a flawless ride to take the lead on Lap 14 of the race. By the time he greeted the chequered flag Reed held a commanding 6.7second lead.
The form rider of the series, Reed won nine of the seventeen rounds, finished on the podium 13 times and led an incredible 153 laps over the season, three times more than any other rider.
“This really is a dream come true,” said an emotional Reed. “There have been a few bumps along the way but the ups and the downs are what you work hard for.”
“At times this year I’ve thrown it on the ground, but been able to get back up on the podium, it’s been an awesome learning year and I’ve learnt that every point counts.”
“A lot of people questioned how hurt I really was (at Detroit). Unfortunately, I spent the entire day at the hospital with the broken scapula. I had been there before (an injured shoulder) but this time I couldn’t really get rid of the pain.”
“You have to fight to the end. That’s why it’s a championship. That’s why it’s run over 17 rounds. “Reed concluded.
After some well earned celebrations Reed’s focus will shift to turning a long time dream into reality when he returns to Australia in early June to launch Super X, the Australasian Supercross Championship, in conjunction with promoters Rush Sports.
As well as having an active role in the running of the series Reed will also compete in the seven round national championship which debuts in Perth on October 4.
“I am really looking forward to heading home to launch Super X,” Reed stated. “It has been a dream of mine for a very long time to turn Supercross into a mainstream sport in Australia.”
“We have some really exciting things planned for both the fans and competitors and I don’t think there is any other Australian domestic championship which can lay claim to having a World Champion competing in the entire series.”
“It is a great feeling to be able to give back to the sport that has given me an amazing career,” Reed acknowledged.
Reeds championship win on a YZ450F was complimented by Jason Lawrence’s Supercross Lites championship win on a YZ250F giving Yamaha total domination of this year’s AMA Supercross Series.
AMA Supercross Class Results, Las Vegas
1. Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Aust, Yamaha
2. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss, Honda
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
4. Joshua Hill, Yoncalla, Or., Yamaha
5. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
6. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich, KTM
7. Charles Summey, Huntersville, NC, Yamaha
8. Travis Preston, Hesperia, CA, Kawasaki
9. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla, Kawasaki
10. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, CA, Suzuki
AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Chad Reed, Kurri Kurri, Aust, Yamaha, 365
2. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 352
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 281
4. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 278
5. Joshua Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha, 228
6. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 218
7. Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha, 173
8. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 169
9. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., KTM, 159
10. Paul Carpenter, Ithaca, N.Y., Honda, 145
