Rapid ReaXtion: Chad Reed Back with Honda
Tuesday, November 8, 2011 | 4:00 PM
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PrintToday TwoTwo Motorsports officially announced their new deal for 2012 with Honda, which keeps Reed riding red. There was some speculation that Reed could have linked up with another manufacturer, like Suzuki, but now those rumors have been put to rest.
Here's what our editors think of Reed's new deal. Tell us what you think in the comments section below.
Davey Coombs:
This is a good move for Reed, and here's why: Forget about his spectacular crash at Millville, but rather how fast he was going before it, because that was the true measure of his speed. Reed was the outdoor points leader before that ridiculous crash, and he also won the last round of the AMA Supercross tour. The only glimpse of real speed we saw after that was his win at the Motocross of Nations. Now he's had time to rest, get his team set again and prepare for 2012 -- and he doesn't have to worry about starting over with a brand new bike (and here's betting Honda gives him even better parts this time around).
Jason Weigandt:
Much like the Stewart/JGR deal a few weeks back, Reed’s 2012 plans definitely seemed liked they could mesh with Suzuki. Today, I’m hearing a lot of fans expressing how well TwoTwo would have worked in yellow, as we already know he rides that bike well. But I think the Stewart/JGR Yamaha connection and TwoTwo sticking with Honda comes down to long-term stability and commitment, as much as what bike will produce faster lap times in 2012. In today’s climate, long-term commitment is a much bigger factor than it used to be.
It was announced today that Reed and TwoTwo Motorsports will be back on red for 2012.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson (@afred)
Stewart, for example, got a three-year deal with JGR Yamaha and even a chance to do some car racing down the road. Similarly, it’s clear Reed is focusing not just on 2012 race results, but on the future of his team. With this Honda deal, his boys get to work in house at the Honda shop, which is a massive move forward for a satellite team. I’m also hearing Honda may have some big improvements up their sleeve with the 2013 CRF450R, and Reed’s team will be on the ground floor for that bike. This link up with Honda could lock in TwoTwo well beyond Reed’s own racing days, which is a huge accomplishment. Seriously, no rider who ever became a team owner has been able to keep the team going very far after his own retirement.
True, Honda is in deep this year with the factory Trey Canard/Justin Brayton tandem, the McBrooks team with Andrew Short, GEICO with Kevin Windham, and Reed's effort. But it sure seems like Reed arranged this one carefully to make sure his squad succeeds, this year and into the future.
And it’s not like Reed was a slouch on the red bike! Dude could have won both the supercross and motocross titles if things had bounced a different way. Why change what seems to be working?
Chase Stallo:
Should any of us really be shocked that Reed returned to Honda? Other than some early season troubles with his set-up, Reed was ecstatic about his situation last year. And when Reed is happy with his surroundings he tends to do very well. Case in point: second overall in supercross and third overall outdoors after leading a majority of the series. I think I would have been more surprised if Reed didn’t re-up with Honda.
Steve Matthes:
So Reed’s back at Honda and this is a surprise? I know that he’s publicly stated that he was dancing with Suzuki and he even busted me a few times on Twitter when I stated that he was on a Honda but honestly, I knew all along that he was going to stay red. It was a natural fit, he really outperformed the factory teams riders last year (Canard and Grant were hurt) and was rewarded with a full factory bike after a few races.
The reason that I figured he’d ride red was because it just made sense. Hey, even though they blew up the shark at the end of Jaws, the movie was awesome and it made a billion dollars. Of course they’d have to make Jaws 2! Reed was incredible last year (and he really got appreciably better with the works Honda) and everyone wants to see that mojo keep on keepin on.
Along the way Reed acquired an appreciation for the sport of motocross, the fans and the way he interacted with them. It was a win-win for the red guys and for Reed himself. He always wanted to be on a Honda (some would say because he had ridden for every other brand but I’m not going to be a negative nelly) and his talk about having the best bike out there was proven with his results.
Add to the fact that sometime late last year his team moved into the road-racing shop at American Honda, his mechanic is a long time Honda employee, he just hired Mike Gosselaar who was at Honda forever, and is beloved there, and you have everything fitting together like making another movie about a killer shark.
Reed on red? Bingo-bang- a slam-dunk.
Bring on 2012.
Aaron Hansel
The fact that Chad Reed is sticking with Honda should come as no surprise. Before TwoTwo Motorsports had even come together, Reed had been vocal about his desire to ride Hondas in 2011, and despite a somewhat rough start to the supercross season, he started putting in great rides, demonstrating that he was indeed a title contender.
When that happened, equipment started to trickle down from Honda’s factory team, and as the season progressed, Factory Honda technicians could be seen at work on the TwoTwo machine at any given race, signifying that a working relationship between Factory Honda and TwoTwo Motorsports had indeed been forged. Now, after a year of racing aboard the red bikes, Reed is both familiar and comfortable with them, he’s proved he can win on them, and most importantly, it seems to be a relationship that Reed is happy with. As we’ve seen in the past, a happy Reed is a fast Reed.
Can Reed contend for another championship in 2012?
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson (@afred)
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Definitley not suprised, like Chase says, I'd be more shocked if he switched....Reed looks great on the Honda no-doubt.. I thought when he grabbed Goose he may be looking at Suzuki possibly with the new MC/Brooks team going Red as well ...but I think in the end, He likes the Honda better and they already have a working relationship established and a pretty darn good bike...Suzuki seems unstable for the long haul for a team perspective, so with 2012 coming and possibly being Reeds last year on the bike , he is setting a strong foundation for the post Reed as a rider Two Two Team which is smart.....If Chad pulls a title out in 2012, I think he's defend in 2013...no title in 2012, I think he jumps in the team owner seat
I agree with the editors that this was inevitable; it worked too well for both parties. Now that Reed can start the SX season with top notch equipment he really has the opportunity to establish a quality championship run.
With Honda outfitting Reed and Canard, maybe the brand can finally get back to the championships that have been missing since RC left.
Not really a big shock. But what is funny, is how everybody says he burned his bridges with all the other teams and brands, and he was talking seriously with Suzuki, so I guess he had one option left.
Honestly I dont care what he's riding as long as he is beating Stewart. That's right, suck it BillC!!
Ronniebarhardt you have issues!!
. Care to make a bet on how Reed does? RV and JS will once again win the most races and unless they both get hurt one will be the champ. Reed will be fighting with RD and TC for the 3rd spot. He may get some wins but only when things fall into place, I don't see him passing RV or JS for the win and that goes for TC and RD aswell.
.So put up or shut up!!
BillC,TC will be a step above CR & RD.
BD- I dont think Reed burned any bridges with Suzuki, he always said he liked it there but they couldnt keep him and the Dung from the sounds of it......Kawasaki and Yamaha I think is where he may have done some damage, but when it comes down to business, it is probably damage that could be easily repaired considering the time that has passed .....Suzuki seems to be SOL this year....no fish left in the pond that are going to be top 5...
It looks like there's going to be a lot of Hondas in the top 10 next year. I think Canard is going to be more of a factor than a lot of people think IF he can keep from getting injured. I guess every podium Dungey gets will be exceeding people on here's expectations.
HAHA....I love it!!
BillC "So put up or shut up!"
Freaking hilarious, like any of us could put up, and really most of us can't shut up either! LOL
BillC...."unless they both get hurt one will be the champ"? You sound like some sort of cheap Vegas psychic reader...If you don't fall you will win? WTF does that mean?
Seems like Reed has put himself in the perfect position career wise, like Jason stated, long term stability and I'm not talking his racing career which let's be honest, cant last much longer but as a developer and team manager. It will be interesting to see where this goes in the next couple of years, maybe a future Mitch Payton?
Reedy is making all the right moves, good for him!
THIS IS AWESOME. I am glad he staye there. and wow FULL factory support. nothing but going to make him better. LOVE it that he straight up said on pulpmx when asked about outdoor also - "Oh yeah for sure Both" - never thought about not racing outdoor for a second. Him staying with Honda is really making me want to buy HONDA this next coming spring. GO 22
The last time I thought Honda was cool was with MC. just had to have that 93' CR250. Now with 2 more years, its out with the old in with NEW RED here too!
With honda using Hondaline oil, how will Bel-Ray fit in? I know he's not a factory rider, but.. I like the whole Bel-Ray look, and old school lineage.
"ronniebarnhardt"=douchebag............dream on d-bag ronnie, cuz that wont be happening too much (if at all) next year!!
Who cares what brand he's on? As long as he's up front, mixing it up every week, that's all that matters.
Get ready for a very Blue podium all season ...
Lets just hope that James can finally adjust to the ATK.....I mean Husaburg.....wait.....i'm sorry ...it's Yamaha that has that intake front exhast rear thing now...tried and true technology
Why do people still doubt RD ?
Jim M
I go with Stewart for 1st and then Reed for 2nd. Don't forget that the NC team has a Nascar backing, hard to beat that ton of investment and development. Plus Stewart will be in a car in 3 years. Du!
Here is my 2 cents. RV2 and JS7 are the guys to beat. TC41, CR22 and RD5 will all be close with a chance to win. Honestly With the Kawi being so good I think RV2 has to bike advantage. JS7 will have a good bike and like him or not the most tallented guy on the track. Then come the other 3 TC41 will make a splash if healthy. May even sneek in the title chase if there is some major mistakes by the big 2. CR22 and RD5 will be top 5 everynight. There is a few wildcards also. Josh Hill is comming back and if 100% we know he is very fast, maybe sneek out a win could be a top 5 points guy on the good running Kawi. Metcalf, will never contend for the title but may help take some points away from someone. Who knows.... Last comment is with all the ridding that Dean Wilson does with Reed is that setting up the Move in a year to Two Two motorsports Honda for Wilson. I know he wants to win a MX2 title overseas but you never know. I think it would be a good fit..
Good for Reed... Sticking with Honda and getting full factory support from Honda.. Great!
But RV2.. Sorry, RV1.. Is the bench mark to beat for 2012... His bike is the best.... He has the best trainer one can get... He's stable now (Married and all) and Kawi got rid of one big a**hole in the form of Fisher...
comedian66... Its called a prediction.... Ya know...Like most others on here are doing. What do you think will happen...Or do you have no clue and just want to be an azz??
.@
JimboMX374... Cuz he only won 1 SX last year on a team that has years of info to fall back on and a bike RD is very familliar with and now he has changed everything about his program. I think he will do fine but its will take some time to get the bike diled and by then he may be out of the title hunt. You can ride everyday like he is but there is nothing like racing to see where you are. They have a step hill to climb at KTM. They will get there, Just not sure how long it will take to be there consistently. We all know RD is not a big risk taker so if the bike is not right he will ride safe and smart. He is better outdoors on top of it too. There he will be more comfortable and have some time on the bike.
2012 Supercross top 5 OA
Villopoto ( proven under pressure) as fast or faster then Bubba
Stewart ( inconsistant but 2nd most wins, few bad nights)
Reed ( unable to win races)
Canard ( fast but inconsistant)
Dungey ( KTM LOL)
Bill C I will go out on a limb on throw out my predictions!! How fun!
hello again racer x friends. Dropped my laptop on the power outlet and had to have it repaired. $200.00 and two weeks later, I'm back. Can't believe how much I missed the stupid thing! @BillC, did you get in on the snowstorm and get to try out the new ride? Was thinkin' about that. Got your message from doo talk but still can't reply there. Gonna work harder on that one. Got my sleds out yesterday and the RT put away. It's getting closer. Can hardly wait. My prediction is this is gonna be another stellar year for us the fans. We will all win again as things shape up for an exciting season. I guess I'm thinkin' that RV has the machine, and is gonna be tough to beat, not that he can't be beat but he is gonna be there. Stewart, I don't know, seems to have been away too long. Hope he comes back strong but it seems like it is gonna be tough for him and my man RD is prolly gonna struggle a bit too. TC seems to be able to step up when needed, CR has the equipment if he can shake out the bad crash, won't count him out. I would like to see multiple winners and good competition instead of one man domination, even if that one man was the Dunge. Good to be back and hear all the talk. Later guys.
I am not ready to make any predictions till after A ONE is over.I do think there are gonna be a lot of different winners. I think Dungy will be ready as anyone. whoever gets the first win always seems to make a difference. The deck is stacked with more talent than last year. We the fans are the lucky ones. Lets hope everyone stays safe and healthy till the end! I don't think that has happened since the mid 80's. May the best, and luckiest person and team win. I do think Honda is going out on a limb and stacking the deck,good for them!
I dont think there will be a problem with Bel-Ray and Honda if I remember correcltly Honda used to use Bell Ray. I once tested seveal oils by using a centrifuge to separate the oil chemicals and dye. I found out some interesting stuff!
@bucky394 sorry about the laptop. I just have a PC then when I drop my keyboard or spill my fine wine on the key board it is not a big deal. Welcome back anyhooooo.......
@Pizza - Indeed.... Reed was running good at Milleville for sure, but it wasnt like he was completely gone either...RD was running with him and almost passed him before he went off the track allowing Reed to run away with moto 1 and 2nd moto he passed RV on the first lap, so I guess that guaranttees him the victory and neither RD or RV had a chance at beating him over the next 30 minutes... I too am tired of hearing about the "pre crash" Reed.....Crashing is a part of racing.....all riders crash.....fact is, with or without the crash....the RV that showed up at Dilla and each race after that, Reed had no chance at beating him and we will see that in 2012....
Bucky, I got 20 inches of snow and had no power at my shop for 5 days and 6 days at my house!!! I have a gen that runs the whole house but no work sucked!!! My old sled is at the dealer so he can sell it and the new one JUST came in!! picking it up this week!!!! So I did not get to ride!!!
PS. Figure out Doo-talk soon buddy!!!
@ Trend Killer Yup in this sport you are only as good as your last race. Yes I am tired of "the crash" its over and a new year is on its way.
I just hope we dont hear Ralph at A1 saying " Wow Jeff Emig, Reeds crash from 8 months ago still seems to be affecting him out on the track....he is definitley off the pace...."
Posted by BONES:
2012 Supercross top 5 OA
Villopoto ( proven under pressure) as fast or faster then Bubba
Stewart ( inconsistant but 2nd most wins, few bad nights)
Reed ( unable to win races)
Canard ( fast but inconsistant)
Dungey ( KTM LOL)
I'd put some money on that outcome. Canard could be a wildcard though if he can be consistent.
Josh Hill will be top 10 if he is lucky. Just too much time off the bike.
I think it will take RD a full year to get the KTM up to speed. I look for him to be a threat in 2013.
It's going to be interesting to see how Reed does now that he is completely comfortable on the bike and his team is all set. RD and RV will be fast as usual and Canard will win a few races as well I think. I really think Weimer is going to do something solid this year also.
Dungey (he is motivated and the new single cam KTM is perfect for SX)
Reed (consistent)
Canard
Villy (he will suffer a championship hangover)
Weimer
Booba will crash out somewhere around the 5 round and then tell the public he really wants to race NASCAR. Joe Gibbs will be seen slamming his head off the wall of his office and will fire his son Coy....
tomktm.... NOT a chance in he!! of an RV hangover!!! Also I think the guy you hate will surprise you...Or should I say pizz u off LOL
THat sucks Bill. But it's all good now. Hate it when I miss that first ride. I think I've got a good report at doo talk now, just haven't had time yet to get it goin'. And I gotta agree with you on the RV hangover. I don't see that coming at all. I'm thinkin he'll build his momentum and he already has a headstart on his new bike. It's gonna be good. And Mr. Welker, I like to be lazy and sit on the couch with my feet up while on the net. What did I do before I started this stuff? A year ago I coulnd't have cared less, now I take time everyday. Have I ever told you that I have an artificial hip? I tryed once, but I think it was on an old post you may not have returned to. I think that I have some enlightening info for you I'll pass on some comments next time. Gotta get back to work now. see-ya
Reed has built the most talented team ever. This has to be the largest payrol to support one rider ever. This tells me Reed is building a team for the future far after his racing days are over. This is good for the sport but I think his titles days have past. I'm not a reed fan but I respect him a lot for not giving up after 2010. I think RV has the best chance but the fans are the real winners this year. Also I think Dungey will have a good shot outdoors, they are going to need to do work before that KTM and RD are title worhty indoors. I wish them all the best luck for 2012.
BILLC, dont get too bold with your predictions, dont forget Reed beat Stewie in supercross last year. Stewie finished 4th.
2012 - Better than 2011
When is this bd200 dude gonna quit riding the "stewie finished 4th last year and Reed beat him" crap?? I think everyone is quite aware of that man...you really should let go and quit getting all worked up every single time somebody says something positive about stewart, just fyi, it is ok if somebody wants to think he will do well...........................................don't be a tard!
Not bold at all BD, I said RV and JS would again win the most races, 2011, RV-6 wins, JS-5 wins, TC-3 wins, Reed- 2 wins, RD - 1 win. I also said baring geting hurt/crashing RV or JS would win it. If JS did not crash so much last year he probley would have beat Reed and RD right? Not playing what if just making and over all assumtion is all. Crashing is part off it thats why I said baring lots of that he imo will beat them all except maybe RV. Just my opion not trying to bag on anyone, Riders or other posters.
Trend Killer I hope your right!! But part of me say how could things go that well again?? I mean how offten does that happen?? And to have 2 years in a row would be epic!! I really feel RV will be a step above them all except JS, JS is not may fav but he has so much speed I just can't count him out yet. Reed, and Rd don't seem to have the raw speed of RV and RV did not hit the deck to many times so he seems to have it figured out whitch could lead to a boaring year... Compared to last year anyway. There are to many guys that are close to have anyone run away with it but I still feel RV and JS will be a notch above whitch is only a very small notch btw.
Bucky I check in at doo-talk every day.
So now that we know where Stewart and Reed will be for 2012, I'd love to know what Matthes meant when he alluded to an outcome with Chad's team that would be so unthinkable it would "melt our brain".
I know many speculated it would involve JS joining Reed, but would like to know what Matthes meant.
Did anyone see/hear anything about this?
Bill C - yeah I know what you mean.....there seems to be just as much anticipation for 2012 as 2011......except now we know what can happen....RV is my guy, but something tells me JS7 is on a mission and I think 2012 may be the year that JS7 makes a comeback....kind of like MC did after his debacle year on Suzuki....I know JS7 will win races....the mistakes is where he needs to focus and I think Gibbs is the mentor he needs.....I'd like to see JS7 pull it off and shut a lot of fukers up.....RV has many years left ...but if he repeats, i'll be stoked too.....will be a great year...
I'm thinking that JS7 problems last year were not the bike or the team, they were anytime he had pressure on him he started making lots of mistakes. I don't think 2012 is going to be any easier than 2011, probably much more pressure. Thats where I think RV has a huge advantage on everyone. Handling pressure is something that you can't really teach. Reed does well under pressure and his starts are always top 3 especially outdoors. I think Trey will be a bigger surprise than he was last year if he can stay healthy.
@TWK1
I'M thinking that JS7 problems last year began with a less-than-comfortable team situation, were exacerbated by a less-than-comfortable bike situation, and concluded ultimately with his not being as mentally focused on the track as he needed to be while competing against those other speedy gentlemen (i.e., he was pressured on the track started making mistakes).
Fair?
Hopefully he left all the BS behind him (including his show) and he's ready to go racing in January. He says his goal is to have fun this year, and it looks like he's doing that so far. When you're having fun, the pressure melts away like buttah. In theory.
That said, Reed, like Villopoto, is in a very good spot right now. They're the only two practically guaranteed to improve from 2011 because they'll be on the same bike. Dungey could be worse or better. MAYBE better. Stewart could be worse or better. PROBABLY better. Canard could be worse or better. HOPEFULLY better.
@whoops I agree with you but the bike had to be pretty good it had factory Yamaha backing and most of the off track problems James brought on himself. As far as having fun again every rider has to say that and he has only been with JGR for two weeks. Thats a short time to already going from unhappy to happy. James has blamed everything but himself for last years results. IMO he went to JGR because they came up with the most cash. Oh, and that TV show made motocrossers look like idiots. RV proved that he is at his best when under a lot of pressure and I think that is going to be the difference that makes RV the favorite to win tthe title. Also reed does well under pressure too. Anyway I love this sport and can't wait for A-1!
CR500AF... I think there may be a big name, HomeDepot or Lowes.... Brain melting... No.... but would be great for the sport.
@TWK - Yes, I'm sure the bike was 'pretty good.' But that doesn't mean that he, James Stewart, was 100% comfortable -- and when you're pressured in a race, you want to be 100%.
James probably signed for money, and a future in NASCAR, and the team atmosphere, a team that he felt really, genuinely wanted to work with him and win a championship, and one that will still be around in a few years. It looks like team Suzuki is going nowhere fast.
I'd like to believe he also signed for what he feels is a better bike, but who knows. It's really too bad JGR didn't go with Suzuki. That would've been the perfect answer.
2 months left for Dungey and Stewart to break in their new machines, and for Trey to get his mojo back. The waiting is hard, but it's easier if you remind yourselves that, if SX started tomorrow, RV would win 10 in a row 'cause no one's ready :)
1. Villapoto -- found his mojo in a 2012 frame
2. JS -- lost his desire when RC crucified him
3. CR--lost his nuts at Millville but still smooth
4. RD--KTM handicap too much to handle
5. The guy who can stay up
@claxton
1. V-I-L-L-O
2. Possible
3. Reed won a race at the des Nations 2 months ago, and had a fast lap over the Ryans in the 2nd moto at Pala. And supercross is totally different. He'll be fine.
4. Possible
5. Are you referring to Canard? Did you mean "the guy who CAN'T stay up?" If you did, that's what they said about Villopoto after he crashed out in 2010, so maybe Trey will surprise us next year. Both his crashes were on motocross tracks, too, so maybe he'll feel better switching back to SX for awhile. I sure would.
@whoops....Sure Reed will do fine, SX last year 2011 he had more luck with others crashing out or not making the main than he did winning, otherwise he would have been a distant 3rd or 4th...the Des Nations race wasnt anything to brag about considering the muddy conditons and guys were just out there trying to stay up .....the final moto of the day as Des when it was nice and dry, Reed did poorly and had a tantrum in the pits before they told him AUS made the podium....Pala...really? he got the fast lap on the first lap I beleive when he was all alone in fron....he had a pretty nice lead which you would think from the past he would keep, but he still gave way to Barcia, RD and RV.....
@trend killer
Yeah, that's true, he was up front early at Pala. Whatever. Looked like he was making progress to me.
"2011 he had more luck with others crashing out or not making the main than he did winning, otherwise he would have been a distant 3rd or 4th"
That's not true, though. The first two rounds were some of his worst, only because he wasn't used to the bike yet. He'll be comfortable going into 2012. The rest of his bad rounds were just shit luck, probably worse than what the other 4 guys had to deal with.
He started well in LA, but Metcalfe kicked a tough block in front of him after the first turn and he fell. Houston, he got caught in Stewart's 1st turn wreck. Atlanta was his fault, imo, but he was super fast there. Dallas, Stewart slammed into him, and St. Louis he hit another tough block that was just lying in the middle of the track (although RV probably would've gotten him anyway). The rest were podiums.
No whoops, I meant the guy who can stay up the most and accumulate the points to finish fifth.
"I meant the guy who can stay up the most and accumulate the points to finish fifth."
Oh, cool, then it's still Canard :)
You were taking shots at JS and CR and RD--I just thought you were continuing the trend. Although I guess not including Trey in the top 5 by default is insult enough.