Unbound Energy-Backed Chad Reed Overcomes Injury To Make Anaheim Podium

January 9, 2007, 6:46am

Reed pulls $1,500 Progressive Direct Holeshot Award, then holds on for third o/a

CARLSBAD, Calif., (Jan. 8, 2007) – Unbound Energy’s Chad Reed (San Manuel/Yamaha) stepped up in a big way at the opening round of the 2007 Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series on Saturday, overcoming a recent shoulder injury to race to a 3rd place finish overall in the premier AMA Supercross class.

With the effort Reed move to within four points of first place in the overall Amp’d Mobile World Supercross GP Series, trailing leader Ricky Carmichael 69-65.

Reed, who decided to forgo the second practice session prior to Saturday’s race, eased into the main event with a come-from-behind 8th place finish in his heat race. Then in the main Reed surprised everyone – possibly even himself – when he gunned his Yamaha YZ450F off the start and pulled the entire field into the first turn, leading the race before behind caught by eventual winner James Stewart.

Reed then battled on and off with Carmichael for a while, exchanging 2nd place on a couple occasions before the pain became too great for the Australian to handle as he basically had to finish the grueling race in a fast but defensive mode.

“I didn’t have it in me to fight tonight,” said an elated Reed on the podium. “But I can tell you I’ve never wanted to be on that third spot of the podium so badly. It’s going to be a long season and I know I’ve got to be out here racing and not on the couch when I’m hurt.”

Barely enough time for Reed and his Unbound Energy-backed teammate Nathan Ramsey to re-group as they head to Phoenix’s Chase Field this weekend for Round Two of the 2007 Amp’d Mobile AMA Supercross Series.