Injury has failed to rob Chad Reed of the lead in the 2008 AMA Supercross championship after the Australian put in a courageous effort to finish sixth at the eighth of the series at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.
After setting the fastest lap in qualifying and winning his heat, Reed looked set to continue his domination of the elite series after obtaining the Hole shot for the 20 lap final in front of the massive crowd of 67,429.
As the race proceeded the 26-year-old Australian continued to do what he has been doing all year and forged a strong lead over the field until the end of the fifth lap when he went over the handlebars at the Wall of Death.
With true determination, Reed remounted his Yamaha YZ450F and completed the race despite suffering from concussion and carrying an injured left wrist. The race was won by Davi Millsaps.
“I was having a lot of fun out there and when I tried to take a different line it just didn’t come off for me,” Reed said, “I managed to get it together and after being outside the top ten completed a few consistent laps until the end of the race to finish sixth.”
“After last weekend we knew a good start was critical for this evening and I did that with the Hole shot. Next weekend I’ll strive to put it all together for the end of the race again.
After winning five of the seven rounds 2008 Monster Energy Drink AMA Supercross championship, Reed still has a healthy 25 point lead over his nearest competitor Kevin Windham.
After finishing sixth this weekend, Reed will strive to take third position on the all time podium list at Indianapolis next weekend by finishing in first, second or third for the 81st time in his AMA Supercross career.
Atlanta also saw the start of the SX Lites (East) Championship and a young Aussie from Nowra immediately made his presence felt with fourth place in the main event to be the top finishing Yamaha. Jake Moss crossed the line 11.9 seconds behind Torco Honda pilot and race winner Trey Canard.
2008 AMA Supercross Class Results, Atlanta
1. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda
2. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
4. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki
5. Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha
6. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Yamaha
7. Charles Summey, Huntersville, N.C., Yamaha
8. Paul Carpenter, Ithaca, N.Y., Honda
9. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
10. Jason Thomas, Melrose, Fla., Honda
2008 AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Yamaha, 184
2. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 159
3. Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 137
4. Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 123
5. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 121
6. Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha, 101
7. Joshua Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha, 84
8. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., KTM, 84
9. David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 72
10. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 69
SX Lites East Race
1. Trey Canard (Honda)
2. Martin Davalos (KTM) 7.2 secs
3. Ryan Sipes (KTM) 9.5 secs
4. Jake Moss (Yamaha) 11.9 secs
5. Tyler Bowers (Yamaha) 16.4 secs
6. Branden Jesseman (Kawasaki) 17.4 secs
7. Joshua Grant (Honda) 21.8 secs
8. Nico Izzi (Suzuki) 23.4 secs
9. Kyle Chisholm (Kawasaki) 25.2 secs
10. Ben Coisy (Honda) 35.8 secs
SX Lites East Points
1. Trey Canard (Honda) 25pts
2. Martin Davalos (KTM) 22pts
3. Ryan Sipes (KTM) 20pts
4. Jake Moss (Yamaha) 18 pts
5. Tyler Bowers (Yamaha) 16 pts
6. Branden Jesseman (Kawasaki) 15pts
7. Joshua Grant (Honda) 14pts
8. Nico Izzi (Suzuki) 13pts
9. Kyle Chisholm (Kawasaki) 12pts
10. Ben Coisy (Honda) 11pts
