Webmaster posted on May 03, 2009 18:54
After one of the most enthralling seasons in the history of the AMA/World Supercross Series Australia’s two-time World Supercross Champion Chad Reed has claimed a second place round result and unfortunately surrendered his World Championship title at the final round of the 2009 season at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas tonight.
Reed, whose race at Salt Lake City last weekend was controversially impeded by the teammate of Championship rival James Stewart, went into the final round of the series at Las Vegas trailing Stewart by 6 points.
The defending Champion looked well prepared for the title fight with a strong
ride in practice before dominating his heat race, claiming the holeshot and taking the win by a margin of over 12 seconds to his closest rival.
As the 20-lap Supercross ‘Main Event’ launched out of the start gates, Reed lost traction off the gate and exited the first turn in seventh place before passing four riders to move into third position at the completion of lap one. Stewart had the lead, but Kawasaki rider Ryan Villopoto stayed close and brought the 39,000 strong crowd to its feet when he passed Stewart on lap two to take the lead.
Behind him, Reed inched in on his nemesis Stewart, setting the stage for a memorable moment between the bitter rivals. Riding a calculated race the Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider stalked Stewart, applying constant pressure to his rival in an effort to force him into making a mistake. Reed eventually moved past Stewart on lap 15 and it wasn’t long before he had pulled an incredible 20 second gap on his arch rival.
Unfortunately the opportunity to catch Villopoto, who had ridden for 19 laps without challenge, had passed and Reed crossed the finish line for his 12th second place of 2009 with Stewart 19.6 seconds behind in third.
“I gave it everything I had,” explained Reed. “I can walk away knowing I did that. We had a great season back and forth and were really consistent which kept us in (the title fight). I want to come back even harder and get it back next year. James had a great season and rode really well and I can’t take that away from him.”
“It’s a long season racing back-to-back, week-after-week when every point
counts. It is exhausting for not only the riders but more so the teams and my Rockstar Makita Suzuki guys have worked so hard for me this year. Despite being a new combination we were in the running for the championship till the very end and I am so grateful to be with them.”
Reed will depart the US tomorrow night for his native Australia where he will enjoy a well earned holiday and will also put the final touches on preparations for the Australian Super X series, which will be contested at major venues across the country again in 2009. Reed, who is a major shareholder in the series, will compete in all rounds.
“I’m looking forward to heading home to Australia for a holiday before I start preparing for the next challenge,” he concluded.
AMA Supercross Class Results, Las Vegas
1. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash. Kawasaki
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Suzuki
3. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
4. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
5. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
6. Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki
7. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha
8. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
9. Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha
10. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda
AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
1. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha, 377
2. Chad Reed, Tamp, Fl, Suzuki 373
3. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 270
4. Josh Grant, Riverside, Calif., Yamaha, 237
5. Kevin Windham, Centerville, Miss., Honda, 236
6. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki, 233
7. Ivan Tedesco, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 226
8. Davi Millsaps, Tallahassee, Fla., Honda, 219
9. Mike Alessi, Apple Valley, Calif., Suzuki, 218
10. Josh Hill, Murrieta, Calif., Yamaha, 146