Chad Reed - The Gamble
Wednesday, January 5, 2011 | 1:10 PM
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PrintWhat makes a champion tick? What makes a person rise up above everyone else to be the best in the world at something, be it checkers, chess or supercross racing? We’ve all seen the most talented one, the one who had it come easy but could not reach the heights many had predicted. We’ve established that to be a hero in anything, you cannot just rely on talent alone, you have to have a drive to be the best, a desire to put in the work and just the right amount of cockiness and arrogance to know that you can’t be beaten. These things make up the cocktail of a champion.
You also need stubbornness. Sometimes you know in your heart that you’re not done, that you can indeed climb that mountain again, no matter what people are saying.
Reed is looking to turn things around in 2011 under his new team.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Where do we even start when talking about his 2010 season? There was a switch from Suzuki to Kawasaki. An off-season Australian SX title chase that he was obligated to go after (and now he admits it was a mistake, that he should’ve taken a break), a switch from his trusted and familiar Bridgestone tires to Dunlops, a broken wheel at the first round, a broken hand at the second one and then basically a lost season—an incredibly inconsistent year for one of the most consistent riders ever.
In one sense, he was lucky to have suffered an early injury because you could tell at Anaheim 1 that Reed didn’t have his typical speed—he was sixth in Anaheim 1 qualifying. It was a tough year for the guy and when he pulled out of the AMA nationals with a illness, there were more than a few people that thought that the two-two was finished.
Can Reed become a champion again in 2011?
Photo: Simon Cudby
After all, a reasonable person, when looking at his 2010 season and speculating where Reed might land in 2011 could come to these conclusions:
1. Team Yamaha is closed, so no-go there. He wasn’t going to go back to L&M Yamaha for obvious reasons and the other Yamaha teams may not have had the equipment or money that Reed needs. Although he did put a Valli Yamaha through its paces at one point, he didn’t end up with them.
2. He couldn’t go back to Suzuki because they had a guy named Ryan Dungey who just had a pretty good year, and, due to financial reasons, had to lease its race program to Yoshimura exhausts. For the salary Reed could’ve got on the yellow team, he probably could’ve found the same amount in his couch cushions.
3. Not going to work with Kawasaki. Have you been reading this?
4. KTM? I believe this had a chance of happening, and Reed did ride a KTM 350 at one point. It made even more sense with a big sponsor coming on-board (that angry, charging Red Bull) and Reed’s old Suzuki manager Roger DeCoster going here. But alas, for what I speculate was too many questions about the bike, he didn’t make it work.
5. Honda. This was also a logical choice for anyone that had spent time at Reed’s garage in Florida. After he and L&M Yamaha parted, Reed went out and bought a Honda CRF450 and the bike sat there throughout the Suzuki and Kawasaki years. He liked the ‘08 bike, he hadn’t raced red yet and Honda was in need of a racer. (Personally, I’m surprised that no one brought up the fact that Reed was critical of the new era ’09 CRF450 on a podcast I once did with him. I know the Honda guys I spoke to the weekend after the show weren’t too pumped on his remarks. Now they’re all good. Desperation makes strange bedfellows I suppose.)
Reed has aligned himself with a great cast at Two Two Motorsports.
Photo: Simon Cudby
It looked like maybe Reed would end up with Factory Honda, but the Red Riders went with Josh Grant instead (a move many have speculated was financially motivated, since Team Honda lost its angry, charging Red Bull sponsor). Once JG signed, Reed was out. He tried to put together something with Hart & Huntington team but they were on Kawasaki's and Reed wanted to ride red. With Dodge coming to H&H as a primary sponsor, they didn’t look too kindly to a guy on a Honda--a direct competitor to Dodge on the car side.
A door slammed shut at every corner for Chad. This wasn’t going to be easy, and no one would blame Reed if he took his fortune, his wife and new baby and walked off into the sunset with car racing on his mind. Especially me, who made a mega, super, hella-bold podcast prediction at the end of last year’s outdoor tour last year that Reed would never race in the U.S. again. I almost looked like a tubby Nostradamus, and if that had come true, Weege and Jason Thomas would have never questioned anything I said ever again. They still shouldn’t.
All signs pointed to Reed being done. This is where a champion’s stubbornness comes into play. Reed was going to make it happen on his own, and with that, he formed Two-Two Motorsports. Don’t have a factory bike? Get one! Don’t have a semi truck? Buy one! Don’t have a mechanic or team manager? Hire one!
He’s the highest profile rider to start his own team since Jeremy McGrath. MC has already said it will be tough since Reed does not have a true factory bike. But really, what’s that mean anymore? The gap between the factories and what you can acquire has never been slimmer. Reed has Pro Circuit doing his motors and suspension. And as far as suspension, the teams have reached the limit where bigger is not better. The days of works jumbo forks and big shock shafts are over. Today’s aluminum frames just don’t flex like steel, and massive suspension components can turn to harshness transferred to the rider’s arms. Grant Langston won the ’07 outdoor title with stock forks and clamps people! Kevin Windham went to modified stock stuff last year and loves it. The “Oh god, I have to have factory suspension or my life is worthless” mentality is long gone (or at least it should be). Reed also went to the same company for his ignitions that the factories do, got a works transmission from somebody at Honda, and his bike will not be a reason for him losing.
Look out for Reed's new team, Two Two Motorsports, come A1.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Reed hired ex-factory mechanic Lars Lindstrom to wrench, ex-factory mechanic and team manager Dave Osterman as his manager. With so much financially invested with his own team and with future plans of running his own team when he retires, Reed has a lot on the line in 2011. And this on top of making sure his skills stay sharp and he gets the magic back.
When so many are writing him off, I just think back to the kid from Australia that went to the strange land of Europe to ride the GP’s and the determination and grit that it took to get second in the 250 GPs in his first season. Then I think about an unproven “GP guy” that took a ride in America on a bike he didn’t specialize in, and dominating the East Lites SX Series. Then I remember him on Team Yamaha, at the same time I was working there, beating and battling the best there was week in and week out.
Remember when Stewart dominated the ’07 supercross season and it was supposed to be over for Reed? He came back and won the ’08 title. Remember when he switched to Suzuki and it was over for him? Well that guy came within a scant few points of the SX title again and won the 450 motocross title.
So now, with his first bad year of his career behind him, many are doubting him again. To me, this is his greatest challenge yet. If he pulls this off, it will truly be amazing. He knows you’re counting him out once again but that’s okay.
He’s used to it.
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I love that Reed has so much to prove. It's so easy to root for a guy with a lot of fight in him. Good to see the magic coming across the keys with Matthes/Racer X again. Bravo DC for the rehire. Give the man a bear claw.
Sweet write up. Got me super pumped. Reed will dominate the youngins who still haven't proved anything. I've learned to never count this guy out.
Great job on the journalism. Why can't we have more positive story telling like this instead of just feeding the message board drama. This was worth reading. A lot of stuff I didn't know about a guy that I myself have rooted against. Not this year. I wish him the best. (just don't beat my guy too many times!)
Great write up Steve! I always enjoy your insights.
Matthes great to see you back, nice article. Not sure though on your take about Dodge not liking someone riding a Honda due to a conflict over cars. Fuji Heavy Industries owns Kawasaki and Subaru.
Another strong, consistent rider. Ask, Tim Ferry (shameless nod to the stalker), 2nd place finishes do add up to a championship sometimes. I think the CR-F & Reed will be a good match, at least better than that bush pig of a KX-F. What's their deal anyway? Losing the ear of PC sounds like moto suicide to me.
Can anyone point me in a direction of an article or quote were someone said CR22 was done, besides the typical forum post? Has anyone in the industry actually said that?
Darren from Vancouver doesn't count Reed out. WIN MAN!!!!
i dont use to read but this was so worth it, good stuff!
Remember when Stewart dominated the â
Matthes, you fat cheeseburger walrus!..............Just kidding. I just renewed my Racer X sub cause your back , good job!
Good write up. I think Reed will be a contender. Its crazy to count out the guy who is 3rd all time in supercross wins. I just hope everyone is healthy and we get a great title run throughout the whole season.
I am not a Reed fan but that article almost made me one! Awesome job!
Its not crazy to count out the guy who is third all time in supercross wins just based on the fact that he's 3rd all time in supercross wins. Would you expect the guy who is 1st in all time supercross wins to come out and contend for the title now? He would be battling to make mains maybe... Nothing against Reed, just that the whole don't***** him out because he's 3rd all time doesn't mean dick. I'm sure if everyone is healthy it will be competetive between 5 or 6 guys depending on the week. Reed will definitely be battling for wins, but so will Dungey, Villo, & Stewart. Im stuck on IE at work so big thanks to RcrX for the fix. Its alot quicker.
Matthes is back and so is some strong upcoming content for RX (w/apologies to DC and EJ - more from you 2 would be great as well). Great write up. Love him or hate him Reed is one of the best SX riders ever to race here. Don't count him out yet!
I'm surprised there's been absolutely no talk of 338. Well done everyone!!! Also, you have to consider the 3rd all time supercross winner because unlike the first all time supercross winner, he's not fat, pushing 40, and retired!!!
I kind of hope that Reed is like Paul Jr. at OCC....once you start putting your own money and heart into it, it becomes that much more important to do well. I say good luck 22.
Well.. Lets just say I wont be rooting against CR22 this season.. This could be a cinderella story waiting to happen.. Good luck in 2011, Chad!
reed =crybaby he needs to take his a$$- back to Australia he will be lucky to be top five overall at the end of the year watch after A1 he will have some excuse like hes hurt or sick
Reed needs to go back to Australia? I really think that is such a sad thing to write. The guy starts his own team, props to you Chad. I have never ragged a rider out like that, your name definately suits you. Good luck this year Reedy & all the other guys that line up. can't wait for A1.
That was supposed to say good luck to all the other guys that line up!
Everyone talks about what someone said or what he said, teams, blah blah blah... Matthes is putting it all down on paper, losing the feelings and telling what is in black and white... Good Luck Reed! never sure what you will bring to the table but i hope you prove everyone wrong!
Good job Matthes, but another Reed comeback i dont think so. He should have stayed in down under.say no to 22.
Let it be known that I have yet to doubt chads abilty at a championship. Not everyone forgets the year he won a championship with a broken scapula. Guy is an animal that has had a few bad years. Lets see half the doubters train let alone race at his level with a sickness.
Great writing Steve! I really like all of the top riders (Stewart, Reed, Dungey & Villopoto), but I think I'll be pulling for Reed because of his efforts to go it alone with his new team. Definitely hoping for at least a 3 way battle for points throughout the season.
Remember when Stewart dominated the â
Remember when Stewart dominated the â
WTF IS going on!!!
Remember when Stewart dominated the â
This new site stinks!!!
Matthes, nice to have you back. Its easy to root for Reed now because of the time he spends informing the fans of whats going on in racing. How can you not like and cheer for someone that respects the fans! RV, Kennard, Shorty, Windham get it. We are behind you Guys!@!! Colorado
"The 1 u love 2 Hate" I don't think there is anything wrong with top 5. Considering the competition this year and the number of guys that race Supercross. Top 5 is pretty impressive. I personally think Reed would be pleased with him self with a top 5 finish on his first year as a privateer, team owner etc. Sponsors will like it and pay the bills for that kind of finish. Of course he wants another win, but top 5 pretty impressive. I don't see you out there racing, so clearly you either aren't even a racer, not good enough to ever qualify or clearly root for idiots like JS7. Go home, lay on your couch and cry in your beer this year. CRTwoTwo will amaze. The Media was the reason that Chad has a spot on career. They always took the others guys side, blew things out of proportion etc. Injuries and illnesses happen get over it, look at the last year, JS7, RV2 and CRTwoTwo were out of the running. They were the top 3 favorites to win, injuries stopped that. It's an extremely dangerous sport, injuries happen, doesn't take much of an illness to take you down from being on the top of your game. Look at the competition, Chad Reed, Ryan Villipoto, Ryan Dungey, James Stewart, Kevin Windham, Ivan Tedesco, Josh Grant, Andrew Short, Trey Canard, Mike Alessi, Jake Weimer, Tommy Hahn... the list easily goes on. This clearly is the best competition for the title that Supercross has ever seen. Top 5, your a moron, that is sweet, out of the top 20 would be more of a slam to Chad Reed, this clearly won't be the case. Go Chad Reed.
Stewart dominated what now??? a? BillC what are you trying to write? Are you swearing?
Absolutley great journalism, Steve. You have really, really come into you own. Fantastic stuff you are doing!
good write up. didn't know reed had soooo many closed doors on him. Would have rather seen him literally ride an 08 Honda. MC said that was the best honda 450 also. Reed will be battling with Stewey this year... for 4th place
Hey, you can't deny that having him out there will be a good addition to the season!! I do think that part of his motivation lies in laying the groundwork for the future of running his own team, but 'aint nuthin' wrong with that either!! Welcome back to the mix!!
Go Reed! Good luck from the land down under! I can tell you that we are stoked for this years AMA supercross down here, it's going to be epic. All the big names have been mentioned already and I can't wait to see them line up against each other. And to "The 1 u love 2 Hate" take a chill pill mate, we all love this sport and the more competition the better - I bet all the top guys prefer it that way too! So just suck it up mate, it is what it is and it's going to be awesome!
A good story never the less... Good luck Reedy, Lars and DaveO!!! thats a lot of talent on one team!!!
So Mcgrath is fat?? I guess if you don't have a six pack or an ounce of fat on your body- you're "fat" ?? YEAH RIGHT.
onya mathes, my favourite moto journo, luv your work! REED ROCKS!
I'm not really a Reed fan, but I can't help but have total respect him and setting up his own team. Good Move Reedy! and Good luck (your going to need it this year).
How about some final predictions on what will happen at Anaheim as well as for the rest of the SX season?
yes reed can
Whats going on with this site. Words are getting bleeped that aren't even swearing? Some major gliches. Please fix them! Bring on A1.
So lemme get this straight. Matthes, you made a prediction that Reed will NEVER race in the AMA again, then on your podcast last night you had the nerve to ask Chad if he ever considered YOU as a mechanic for TwoTwo Motosports? FOR SHAME!!!!! Be happy Reedy even talks to you! Fun aside, good writeup, I really think Reed will be right up there, he seems pretty confident. GOOD LUCK #22!!!!!!
Reed wonâ
Reed wonâ
Reed has balls and the fans like him for some reason more than most, the crowds go nuts when he comes to the floor. but he needs to win with starts or its over. there is 5 0r 6 riders that are going to b on the box this year not 2 0r 3. no come from behind charges this time Boss!!! and most important the fixation w Bubba needs to stop its childish and tired....
Supercross is a last man standing contest. Reed has as good a shot as any if he rides smart.
Thanks for the great write up Steve!!! As the Sheriff from Rambo First Blood once said ..."now that you have us all half scared to death, what are we supposed to do next" LOL I think this is why Reed is a Champion. He could have just walked, but knew he had it in him no matter what anyone else thought. Super pumped to see Reedy back and win or lose, it's going to be a great season.
Actually what I would personally like to see at A1 is Reedy and James going at it for 20 laps and leaving everyone else behind in their dust. lol
Well, you can spin the story any way you want in the attempt for an interesting read. The real story here is that, there aren't many people in the Industry that want to deal with Chad on anyl level. Even fans have run out of patience with Reed. His race team, "Two-Two" reminds me of a Dance Costume everytime I hear it. He should have named the team B.B. Racing for "Burning Bridges" Reed is Toast and this looks like his last big money grab before it's time to head back to Aussie Land. Really used to enjoy Reed back in his early days but now, not so much!
john, how often do you examine mcgraths abs??? either your his dr. or you've been "servicing" his "honda" haha. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I have no problem with your lifestyle.
Reed is the man! Really hope he get the championship, it would be great!!
BillC, great posts! I don't know about Reed being "done", but I don't think he'll be able to hang with the front runners. I see a frustrating year for Chad.
CR22 can win that's for sure! I hope everyone stays safe and healthy for some good racing action. Chad is fun to watch race just like most of the others. I wouldn't be supprised at all if he was the one that dominated Anaheim1. He can do it because he doesn't race like a crazy man. He is a true athlete with a professional racing style. He may seem to be a bit of a poor sport sometimes, but that's just his personality, no one is perfect. He is a Champion having fun at doing what he does best. Go CR22 and be a good sport!
Reed or Villo for the sx first class title this year
I have a theory, if Reed does struggle this year, I think he may keep his team alive and hire other riders and be a team manager. Might be why he started this team. Anyway, he may stop after supercross and hire Pourcel outdoors. That would be cool too. I do think he is still fast enough to make a run this year though. He is no more done than anyone else. He has had plenty of rest. ha ha ..
The website is new. Steve's writing still rocks! Very nice feature.
i've just GOT to post this, it's been driving me CRAZY with all this talk of Reed and Dungey as riders. The ONLY time chad reed has won the supercross championship is when carmichael AND stewart were out with injuries. Chad reed is in the same position as Dungey is in as far as i'm concerned. I think Dungey is better than Reed as well. Reed has been a true 3rd place rider behind Carmichael and Stewart. So he has MORE to prove to me than Dungey has. I'm absolutely STOKED about this supercoss season, and i hope we have different winners every week. And if Reed can pull off a couple wins against this stacked field, then he has proven himself worthy of his 2 supercoss titles.
My prediction: Stewart will be blazing fast but inconsistent/desperate. Villopoto and Dungey will battle over the points lead due to their consistency. Reed will show heart and effort, but struggle for results. BTW after watching Bubba's World, i am a fan of Big James and Mrs. Stewart but no so much with James or Malcom. Just my two cents.
matrixx29, Reed is worthy of his titles. People forget his rookie year, twmx called him the fasted man alive on one of their covers, not RC. He won more races but got one fifth so lost the title. You guys can correct me if im wrong because I'm just working off my 7 year old memories. I think another year also Reed was docked points for traces of lead while Ricky skated in a year where their points were neck and neck. But again, I'm really fuzzy on that one.
...ahhh, come on now. This guy that you brag on so hard happen to be the self-same Reed that pulled the temper-tantrum/burnout in Ferry's garage that time!? Are you saying that he is thru making excuses whenever interviewed? We will see. I hope so, b/c his wifey sure brightens up the pits, but I ain't putting any money on him. Rather, I predict that by Round 5, the only thing that will be bursting out of chute #22 will be a milk cow. Or maay be a steer. Maybe.
i think of the kid at the aussie junior titles in a small country town called biloela in 1996. Thats when the ball started to roll and has never stopped,ther was also a kid called brett metcalfe ther , fifteen years later still has the fire,this being another chapter in reeds life how can anyone doubt him,he has a champions mindset and in any sport thats all that matters.
Im not sayin Reed going to get the #1 plate but he'll be a threat. Im pullin for ya Reed! Dont let us down.
I dig Reed's red/white/black gear and bike. That is a great look.
...it darn sure better be. Why else would you be watching someone half a lap behind first place? <<This Counter tracks the seconds left until the Whine begins>> Even Howdy-Doody passed this dude, after having crashed once that night, riding the LCQ, and then working thru the pack in the Main..."---more whine, suh?"
that can be said of selling chad redd was my idol of all time so far q went to sling crap .. the # 22 he is ugly to the deep ... redd sold back to yamaha we love you
Reed in the 2011 year is going to do great! He's one of the best riders in indoor and outdoor and has the speed and lines that will get him that 2011 AMA SuperCross Title. Props to Coming Up on the Raceteam Reed your doing Great! keep it up!
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