Reed continues on his merry way

Australia’s Chad Reed (Suzuki) has put a down payment on his first AMA motocross title, following his third successive clean sweep at Unadilla Valley Sports Center in New Berlin (New York) last weekend.

It was also Reed’s fourth overall victory of the season, with the latest textbook performance placing him 82pts clear of closest challenger Andrew Short (Honda) with just three rounds – and a maximum of 150pts – remaining.

“I’ve always struggled here, but heading into the round I knew this would be my best opportunity yet to get a good result,” said Reed.

“It all came together on track; I did what I needed to do to win. This win is very much a win for the team and those that have supported me this year.

“You’ve got to be smart about training and your health, just as you are smart about racing on the track. I’ve been around long enough to know motos aren’t won in the first four or five laps and the approach is working for me.

“I’m feeling confident heading into (the next round at) Budd’s Creek, and it would be great to keep this momentum going.”

Short (5-2) was second overall at Unadilla, from Australia’s Michael Byrne (Suzuki, 4-3), Justin Brayton (KTM, 8-4) and  Honda’s Davi Millsaps (3-11).

Byrne, Reed and Brett Metcalfe have just been named in Australia’s 2009 Motocross of Nations team.

Metcalfe (Honda) was fourth overall in the 250cc class at Unadilla, behind Christophe Pourcel (Kawasaki, 1-1), Ryan Dungey (Suzuki, 2-2) and Jake Weimer (Kawasaki, 3-3).

Metcalfe is third overall, but a long way behind the ding-dong battle between Pourcel and Dungey.

The next round of the championship will be held at Budd’s Creek next weekend, followed by Moto-X 338 in Southwick. A one-week break will then allow riders to prepare for the final round of the 2009 championship at Steel City Raceway.

Click on the following link for full results and standings in the 2009 AMA Pro Motocross Championship.