Monday Conversation: Chad Reed
Monday, January 23, 2012 | 10:35 AM
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We don’t know when the year will come when you can officially count Chad Reed out on winning races and contending for titles. In his tenth season in the Supercross class, Reed notched a win on Saturday night in Los Angeles, and sits just four points out of the series lead in the early going. And yet, he’s still learning and still finding ways to improve. We asked him about that after the race.
Racer X: You won the race. Congrats.
Chad Reed: Yeah it was good. It took only three goes of it to get one this year. That’s good. Better than last year! I was actually motivated, I think it was you that put some stats on Racer X, and the winner of round three has won 10 of the last 13 championships? So I’m just trying to give myself good odds I guess!
Well I’m glad you’re reading. But we did have another stat that was pointed out.
What was that one? Maybe I saw that, too.
Well, I discovered that in 2008 and 2009, you and James won 40 of 58 races. But in the last two seasons, the Ryans have won 37 of 58. I saw those numbers and it was like, “Whoa, have the new kids taken over and we haven’t realized it?”
Well, so what you’re saying is, me and James need to step it up and win some races?
Reed celebrates his first win of 2012 with his son, Tate.
Photo: Simon Cudby
Well, you got one.
Well we need to forget about each other and maybe team up and go after some more!
It does seem like you two find each other a lot out there.
We do, and clearly I was a good target because when I went by him it seemed like he was just cruising out there, but then when I got past him it seemed like it fired him up a bit. I also want to apologize to Jake [Weimer]. I just saw a green bike, and I kind of assumed it was Ryan [Villopoto]. Those guys look so similar out there, same bike and same gear. I hadn’t seen a number on it yet, so I guess that’s a good thing, it shows how focused I was on getting to the front and getting there fast, and just doing everything I could to move forward and make good, clean passes. You know, you never want to say you’re thankful for getting a second chance at a good start, because it [the red flag and restart] came at the expense of two good guys getting hurt. I feel so bad for those guys. But it most certainly was a better start for me in the second one, and I was just able to ride good clean laps. I was able to be aggressive, and we had good front end feel. We made a change on tires today, and it was good, it was what we’ve been looking for.
You fell in a right hand turn at Anaheim 1, you fell in a right hand turn in your heat race last week, and a right hand turn in your heat race tonight. Is this in any way related? Were you having a problem washing the front?
I’ve been struggling with front-end feel. When you’re pushing on the front and everything seems good, and then all of a sudden you’re lying on the ground, that’s not good. For the main event, we went back to a tire we rode the majority of last season on. And I hadn’t used that tire since, man, I want to say Salt Lake City last year, when I started riding the factory bike. I kind of went to a different tire that was good on the factory bike, and I hadn’t really questioned it. But we were struggling with front-end feel, so I decided to open up that can of worms and use something we used last year. It gave me that feeling. As riders, you’re always chasing things, you’re never ever happy, and you’re always trying to improve things. As a team owner you have to put plans in place to get better in our weak areas. We’ve been working during the week. The results in Phoenix didn’t show how good I felt throughout the day. But we had a good week this week, and then I struggled in practice, and crashed in my heat. Yeah, so it was a typical race where I would do well—you know, struggle all day and then have to turn it around in the main event.
Reed now sits just four points back of Ryan Dungey as the series heads to Oakland.
Photo: Simon Cudby
You’ve been at this for ten years in this class. But no matter what, are you always going to be chasing things in the early races, making bike changes, things like that? Is it impossible to get it dead on right at the first race of the year?
This year was so different than every other year. But really, no year is exactly the same; you’re always faced with different challenges. Unfortunately I spent four years in a row switching around with different manufacturers. So I felt this year we were sticking with the same team on the same bike, so that would make us better, and adding two new guys who I thought would make us better, and obviously we have factory Honda equipment which I thought would make us better. So all things were good, the only downside was the rider took off about five weeks, because I got hurt. I was out from about November 19 through December 20 or something, and even at that, I was riding because I felt I had to. In a perfect world I wouldn’t have rode that early; I would have given it more time. So I’m struggling a bit with a thumb injury, and still it kinds of limits me to one or two days during the week. You know, you feel best when you’re ripping motos and going to the gym. I’ve been able to do the gym work and ride my mountain bike, but I haven’t been able to do my motos. And I think you could tell. At the first race I wasn’t able to have that aggression lap after lap. The second race, I just wasn’t able to dig like I normally would have. But I think it’s getting better. We’re sneaking in some motos during the week, and it’s making a difference. Obviously tonight I felt more comfortable.
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Reed is tied with RV - 4 behind Dungey.
CONGRATS REEDY...HE LOST THE FRONT ON A LEFT HAND TURN ON SAT...
I remember the first time I seen Reed, it was at A1 and he was on a Yamaha of Troy YZ250 running 5th in the main. I could tell he was fast and wondered why they were making him ride the lites on the East coast, when he was hanging with the best riders in the world. That was a long time ago, many riders have gone, but Reed still wins, pretty sweet.
To paraphrase RC, "you do NOT want to give Chad any confidence". Uh oh, too late.
And on a totally different topic, maybe #7 should go back to #259. Bring back the swagger.
That picture of him with his son is so good for the sport. Notice that RC said with results like that why would you quit, but he stopped when he was younger and still winning. I guess if you don't dominate you have to keep at it, ha-ha.
Congrats Chad! Now please ban the words "step it up" from your vocabulary. Regarding that point, I don't think you and James need to go faster, I think the Ryan's have just reached your level.
That may be harder for you but it is great for a fan!
Reed looked good, and I love his interviews, he just says what he feels, none of the PC crap. He ran down Stewie and passed him straight up, no BS involved, that has to be killing some guys out there. they cant make excuses now. And the guys who said Reed was fat, carrying a spare tire, and would never get another win. Well, I guess they were wrong.
Reed is fat,, but fat man can haul azz.....congrats reedy....
yea bd200 reed did pass JS strait up....alot like the countless times JS has passed reed strait up... there called the best of the best and thats why we watch them...
All that noise and crap seemed to freak little Tate out , poor kid didnt look too happy up there ..I think lil' Tate was looking at Bates like she was a monster or something...mouth hung open and thinking to himself....." Daddy daddy, what is that ???"..... true moto heads already know that SX and MX is a family sport.
true true bd200....you may of missed since they dont normally show opening ceremonies but i thought it was funny that i beleive it was ralph shaheen going to Reedy and saying how special it must be to race where the Pope has been and other great sporting memories have played out here at Dodger stadium and Reeds response: " Its just another stadium as far as we are concerned" ....anyway thought that was pretty funny.....
Suprised not hearing more about Weimer.......love that he didnt just give the spot to Reed but damn....he was kind of hanging him out there in those corners..............I think next time he is going to just park Weimer and not take any chances........
I bet when he was reeling in the Kawi he was thinking "I'm catching RV I'm catching RV". It must've been a bit of a letdown to realize it wasn't RV. Still a good race Reedy. Again though, what is up with testing? This is a tire he felt good on last year, and they just went away from it and are trying it at a race and hoping for the best? Why had this tire not been tested with during the offseason with a buttload of notes and laptimes to determine what works best? Sometimes I have to wonder. Sometimes these teams are performing rocket science and others it's like Jeb heading to the tractor pulls. I would think they'd have page after page of data on every possible Dunlop tire combination imaginable tested on just about any possible dirt variety and the differences in lap times for each. On another note, Reed needs to go with some black jerseys, the white is not flattering, heh heh.
Bd200, I said Reed was fat, but not that he couldn't win because of it. Last week he Tweeted that that he was jonesing for In 'n Out burgers. Maybe he got some and that was the secret ingredient.....get some more weight over that front tire, haha. You certainly can't say that you don't notice the love handles watching the race. By the way, I would love to be "fat" like that! He's carrying maybe 10 or 15 lbs. too much. No big deal, if you win.
Good to see the Old Man put his CZ, I mean CR on the the box. It seems like when the guy is happy and having fun, winning comes easy. Hopefully he can pull off a few more of these wins for us old guys.
Being 10-15lbs overweight in supercross probably won't make that much of a difference. Afterall, the races aren't even 20mins long. Being 10-15lbs overweight for the second moto of a national would definately hurt. Then again, look at Marty Tripes.
Reed really looks happy on his bike, his results show. This is going to be a great season!!
Gotta give it up to the dude on a great ride!! He'll be there all year and i'm curious if the consistency he and Dungey both have will end up having one of them taking this thing home?!?! Gotta love "bd" getting his Stewart jab in, he does it in just about every post he puts up!!hehe........it must sting a little that Reed said he felt like James was just "cruising" when he passed home though doesn't it "bd"?? HAHA....just playin' with ya buddy....total props to CR on his win!! I just wonder who gets the next one??
I'm going to go with RV on that whatever :) He looks more prepared than anyone and the past two weeks have been such stupid little mistakes. I'd like to think his mishaps for the season are out of the way now with minimal damage done points-wise.
Oh, and we most certainly CAN still make excuses "bd".......you heard James say it himself.......IT'S THE BIKE MAN!!!!!! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! Juuuusssst Kiddin'!! Actually want to see RD get his second win!!
I would say that he IS probably due for another also RETARDX, he has had some good rides regardless of his finishes!! I'm digging the season so far!! I do think JS will get a good clean night eventually and get his first win, but who knows!! Just noticed i typed "when he passed HOME" above instead of "him".....had to correct it!!
Good points RG807... even Hannah said about Tripes weight - "It's where he gets his traction"... It sure doesn't look to be bothering Chad; heck it's probably helping him hook up better on the slippier track surfaces we've seen lately...
Reed looked real good, I just wish RV did not get screwed with the reststart. All I want is a clean start for them all... Is that to much to ask?? LOL JS was off cuz I think he jacked up his neck in practic so I am guessing he was a bit sore out there.
I agree with Retardcross, RV is the Top dog just some bad luck the last two week but he made the most of it for sure.
Congrats to CR22. Cool to see Tate on the box too, he getting big fast.
I thought the same thing PizzaCorner. Did Reed really think he was passing RV? What a joke! LOL.
If Reed is fat, he is one in shape fat dude..he was not even breathing hard or sweating after the race..impressive
Reed not sweating? ok, i think your blowing him a little too hard.........I wouldnt say CR is "fat"...he is not built like your Dungey type guy...so he will have a heavier / stocky phisique.....he is also coming up on 30....and those who are 30 and above know your body starts changing around the mid section with age...look at RC or Buddy Antunez even the King McGrath.....if they are not training everyday of the week, their natural physique will show.....Reed = the new Jo Jo Keller?
stupid little mistakes are part of racing. Just ask Reed.....like the saying goes in supercross sometimes slower is faster...! Or as Villipoto put it just a year ago when Reed took both himself and Bubba out on the last lap when RV was trailing behind he said something to the effect of "it's not always the faster riders that wins the race"....referring to himself as just riding smart to get the win?
i think RV1 should get some credit for not turning a little mistake into a HUGE one by tipping over his bike when he happen to be stuck on that tough block.....he could of easily dumped it and been trying to kick the bike over while the rest of the riders came back around to finsish the first lap.........then he would of really been hatin it....he kept his poise and got going again.....good on you Poto...
Congratulations to Chad Reed!
One of today's 'elder statesmen of Motocross... keep killin' it Reedy!
I guess this moment is as good as any..., It's difficult to stay silent when I keep reading these blogs and sense how many of the younger fans don't appreciate the sport of Motocross/Supercross and who brought it here. I guess young people won't care till their much older... or will they ever? Too ignorant? To self absorbed?
Let's look at how truly ridiculous this is for a minute:
Complaints about the Television/media coverage? Seriously? Years ago, back then, we had the latest copy of 'Cycle News', in less than 7 days time no less! Period! Forget about TV coverage! That was it! Six months after the fact, we would finally see the one televised race shown each year: The Carlsbad USGP on the long departed ABC Wide World of Sports TV show on a Saturday Afternoon in the middle of winter... But the thing is, we got it- and we were so grateful too! Maybe it's the media crazy age we're living in today. Without the memories some of us have, it's got to be harder for the 'kids' to realize Supercross and Motocross fans have never had it better.
I was lucky enough to be born in the 1960's and got to see and ride some of the same tracks the Best Racers in the world rode on... The Men who helped launch Motocross in America: The first Europeans. Masters like: Decoster, Aberg, Geboers, Wolsink... They were amazing!
And then came the hungry young Americans who learned fast: Lackey, Smith, Hannah, Tripes, Ellis, Tony D., Weinert, Pomeroy and so many more. Followed by a whole new group of guys led by Barnett, Glover, Wardy, Bailey, O'Mara, Johnson, Lechien, LaRocco, Emig, McGrath, Windham, Charmichael, Reed, Stewart, Dungey, Villopoto... and the list will go on...
But for the life of me, I just can't ever remember friends I raced with in the 70's 'bagging' on a Pro Rider. Yeah, we all had our favorites- but the crap that people say today was unheard of back then. Maybe it's because the sport was so -in it's infancy- and we were all racer's ourselves..., I guess we were just mesmerized by the level of talent we saw at an Outdoor National, a Trans AMA, a USGP or an early Supercross race.
That so many people have so little 'good' to say about today's great riders is tragic and a poor indicator of what's happening in America in general. Little respect for anyone else. It's sadly narcissistic and far too prevalent. Real Race fans would do well to by-pass commenting on the trash-talk that goes on. You true fans, and you know who you are, should stop taking the bait from these bottom feeders. Let it die on the vine. You don't have to be old to appreciate and be a real fan of Motocross and Supercross in 2012. You just need to be smart.
@ greenmeansGo, you are so correct. The goofy kids on this forum have no clue how mainstream the sport has progressed nor any appreciation for all the instant coverage.
Well said GreenMeansGo!
@Whatever, why woulkd anything like that "sting" me?? I dont really care if Reed beats Stewie at all. And if you paid any attention to any of my post I have had alot of good things to say about Stewioe this season. But you dont see that. I was just THRILLED to see Reed pass Stewie because there were Stewtards here saying Reed was done, he was fat, he would NEVER win again, and Stewie was going to get on a roll and win 5 or 6 in a row. But Reed passedhim "straight-up" and all. And I had to try a rub it in on them some. But Reeds comments on Stewie cruising amused me more than anything. Because he is getting paid millions of dollars and Reed commenterd like Stewie wasnt even pushing. Its kinda sad. But I still dont see were I "jabbed" Stewie though. Just said he got passed..
I'm with Retardcross and BillC; RV is still looking like the top rider.
Even with mistakes early in the main events, he finds a way to end the moto with a lot of points. I love how he enters the stadium with a song that blares "the champ is here!" Im sure that doesn't sit well with RD and CR.
I figured someone would be commenting about how RV couldn't pass JS b/c he was tired from running down the whole pack, haha!
Can't wait for the Oakland round!
nice thoughts greenmeansgo.........yeah its tough not to get caught up in either defending the rider you like or just voicing your opinion on the sport we love. I'm not much for ragging on riders as they do what we all wished we can do. That being said i enjoy other peoples perspectives on how they saw the race without the negativity of course but everyone is different.....great sport though !
@killomoto....Just cause I make a comment about Reed, I guess that means I wanna blow him...classy..a few extra pounds means nothing last time I checked this was a racing forum and for a 30 year old man racing at the top level to win..well that is done by nothing less than top level athletes..there are no fat men in this sport
G.M.G. nailed it.
I'm happy to see all of these guys grabbing wins. Villo had everyone covered at A1, was awesome to see RD get KTM their first win, and great to see a "senior" like Reed still pounding. I'll be happy to see James win, too, especially after all that's been going on (whether it's self-induced or not is irrelevant). Would have loved to see Trey on top of the box, and given the right circumstances, someone like Weimer, too.
I would like to man up and say I was wrong about Reed back when he announced his private team after his not too stellar year at Kawasaki! He has not only proven me wrong but has gained my son and I as a fan who roots him on indoors and out. Not my favorite rider by any means (GO RD) but he has gained my respect and continues to impress. I like where he's at right now,makes things much more interesting/real too watch.
Good on ya mate!
@ GreenMeans Go, That was a very good post, I dont think anyone can complain but who knows? I have not yet saw the race. Ya I am kinda a Reed fan but a fan of all the raceers. I still have some of the wide World of Sports vids. I still watch one now and then. @ BillC we all know RV is your fav that is ok. I got a chuckle when Reed said he though Weimer was Villo. Also if ya old farts like me remember when at 25 or so the factories thought you were done. I remember Glover saying something about that cause he was past 25.
We will never now what might have happend without the crash and the restart? As we know if's and but's dont count.
Best wishes for Canard and Morasis get well and take care!
Greenmeansgo: Some of us have to complain about the tv coverage so that the sport can be better for the fans and newbies. Look at how Phoenix was done. Overhead cameras, great co-ordination and great racing for us couch potatoes. Now look how A1 and LA were televised. We lost 75% of the race at home at A1 and nearly the same at LA. Why not push these guys to set up the cameras and co-ordination like Phoenix so that newbies who are looking at this stay interested. It benefits everyone all around. Honestly is it that hard? Why not have a race spotter on the stands to tell the cameramen where the action is and get them to follow it. This is what must have happened at Phoenix.
Give Reedy a break he was riding without his reading glasses.......He left them next to his cane in the big rig.....
@bd.......WHATEVER!!
@gmg ... Like what you said , I have said the same thing before .. last year .. it wont help ... just look at some of the user names they use .. alot of tards retards stewtards ... do you think they cosider anyone may have a challenged child or friend or relative or sibling .that also reads this . scary part is , i dont think all the posters are that young ....
I hate Reed
I love Reed
People try to craft an image of themselves for others to see. We have seen Reed try to do this for years but no matter how hard you try, what you really are cannot always be hidden and will come out.
And what Reed is, is a tenacious, determined, fair (not dirty), inspirational champion who cannot help being what he is. And love him of hate him, he adds immeasurably to our enjoyment of this great sport. I am no big fan of Reed, but I hope for all of our sakes that when he does hang up his goggles, he will stay involved with his team and this sport, because the sport needs more support people like him.
Man, is this turning into another epic supercross season or what!
@GMG, nice perspective, thank you.
The race was strange and the track was strange and it looked to me (at the stadium) like one of the smallest crowds in recent memory. My guess is that next year, the race will not return to Dodger stadium.
Sure, R.V. is the man....That is why I'm rooting for J.S. and C.R. (and T.C. and K.W and J.W. and Dungey and anyone else who has the good fortune to head the pack)
And in the lites, Eli has got the steering lock scrub down to an art now! Go Tomac!
Hope the injured riders fully recover.
Oh, and Weigandt.....How about a look behind the scenes at the T.V. production truck where all the camera feeds go and that idiot sits (he is the guy that says "stay on that triple digit rider who fell in the first turn for another 15 seconds" and misses all the bangin going on in turns 2, 3, 4, and 5) Watching the final race at the stadium, my group was chuckling because we knew that with RV closing in on JS in the final laps, with all that drama and roaring crowd, that the TV broadcast was gonna show Reed, all alone, no drama at all finishing the race and miss all the real action.
I know, who am I to complain. I'm so happy it's another great year!
According to RV fans, even when he loses, he wins.
Hey All, Thanx for some props & support. I know the great majority of Us here think & feel the same about the MX/SX today; the racing is just too good not to appreciate it. I like hearing people's opinions too, just minus the B.S.
What I was really getting at was how people 'rip' on not only the riders but broadcast people too. Ralph Shaheen, Jeff Emig, Erin Bates... even Bret Michaels..., they're all fans just trying to make a living and bring it to Us and they do a great job 95% of the time. I say let them do there thing.
I understand and agree the actual race (Main moto) coverage is not what it could be and that sometimes you wonder: is the guy making the switching 'call' in the truck outside the stadium (switch to Camera 2..., now Camera 8..., now Camera ...) getting swept up in a moment watching a favorite rider and not watching when a real 'battle-for-position' breaks out...?
At a live event, it's obviously a much more intense and pressure filled task. That guy has to watch a bunch of different camera angles/monitors at the same time and is supposed to always pick the right battle to follow and not ever be wrong..., but it doesn't always pan out.
When it's tape delayed (Hello CBS) and edited for broadcast later or the next day, stands to reason that the very best camera angles and coverage of the event should be cut together for the limited amount of air time between commercials... but again..., somehow..., it doesn't always pan out.
CBS: Hire somebody like SIMON CUDBY who knows the sport; let him edit the show with a pot of Starbucks by his side and it will be first rate by broadcast time on Sunday.
Regardless, it's still the greatest and toughest Sport on the Planet.
I remember my first trip to Una-(beep)-dilla back in the day. It was one of those things I had to do before I went into the service. Those 'fans" were crazy! I remember a local guy telling me he didn't get any sleep because he was afraid they were going to throw his bike in the fire.
@pizzacorner - the planet where Reed is even on points with Villopoto and the lanet where Reed just beat him in their last race! You're only as good as your last race/result. What planet are YOU on??!?
Hey GMC, we are all diehards and want to see great racing.. Just a wild guess, but except of Phoenix, A1 and LA camera work must have been done by people who have no interest in SX at all. I canceled my HDSpeed as to watch this on a 50 inch plasma and miss out on most of the racing was downright disappointing. I understand CBS, they could care less, but not Speed. Just doesn't make any sense. Turned my brother and friends off as well. Of course we are all going to be watching the series week in week out, but with absolutely no expectations that we will be seeing good racing anymore on TV.
That pass, the gap on JS had to feel good for Reed and like an enima for Stewie. Gonna be good this season between these two.
Chad great ride, hope to see you on the podium next week!
@Deployed,I went to dilla in 82 and 85.You are right those people were crazy and would burn anything,those were some huge fires.I won't go into what they did to the restrooms.I did have a great time and partied all night.Awesome track and racing too,finally got to ride that track in 02.It was epic.
Maybe Im finally getting old and will never get this new generation.
Are people, men I assume, really talking about "10 pounds overweight" and "jersey isnt flattering". WTF?
Good comments GreenMeansGo, my sediments exactly.
Although I am wondering from the peanut gallery where all of the dirty riding/passing comments are for Eli Tomac? He put a move on I believe Anstie in their heat race that was as, if not more, aggressive than what JS put on Weimer and I don't hear one peep? I don't think either were dirty but goes to show how many guys on here are so biased and driven to write merely based on hate for some riders, like Bubbles. Same thing about the Chad Reed interview where he was searching for front end feel and going back to old tires. JS does that and he is merely making excuses. It just goes back to what GreenMeansGo wrote about the hate on these forums and fans these days.
Motohead279 - This is the land of double standards, cant you tell? HAAHAA....
If Reed says one thing, he is honest and cool....If Stewart says the exact same thing more or less, he is making excuses....Reed even states above that he is always chasing something with set up....they are never happy....Reed makes a agressive pass on someone, its racing, Stewart does the same thing, its dirty...its pretty hialrious......it all comes down to like or dislike....
Hey a big "thanks" to you Chad for all the great years of entertainment. Love you still being out there kicking hiney on the youngins, and no shame in picking your moments.
How much of Reed's current speed you think is due to racing and winning the nationals in 2009 and being able to beat the Ryans last year??
Reed says he's more like an Olympian....He won his last Supercross title in '08....hmmmmmm GO REEDY!