Reed third in AMA SX opener
On a slick track, the Aussie champion finished on the podium to kickstart the 17-round campaign. German Ken Roczen won the main event on his KTMKawasaki-backed Chad Reed finished third in the opening round of the 2014 AMA Supercross Championship at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium on January 4.
The final was won by KTM rookie Ken Roczen ahead of teammate Ryan Dungey.
Reed got away to a good start in the final, moving from sixth to third by the end of the opening lap. He moved into second when defending AMA champion Ryan Villopoto (Kawasaki) crashed out of the lead on lap nine, but was then passed by long-time nemesis James Stewart Suzuki) on lap 12.
Reed regained second position when Stewart crashed out of the race while battling Roczen for the lead, but he couldn’t hold off a fast-finishing Dungey over the closing laps.
“I am satisfied with third,” Reed said. “After the season we had last year the goal was to come out and get back on the box and we have done that.
“The track was slick which made it was a little tough in some places out there. I felt like I had a lot of opportunities to go for the win but I rode tight. It just goes to show that even though this is my 13th season I still rode like a rookie.”
Meanwhile, a stunned Roczen said after his maiden 450cc class victory: “I literally can’t believe it. It was such a good race. I was holding on so tight. I wasn’t even tired. I got a good start and I just stayed focused.
“I’ve been working very hard during the off-season and I am so glad the hard work has paid off. Congrats to my teammate, Ryan Dungey, it is great to share this moment on the podium with him.”
Villopoto was fourth in the final, ahead of Justin Barcia (Honda), while Australia’s second rider Matt Moss (Suzuki) was 13th – four spots ahead of Stewart.
In the 250cc class, Jason Anderson (KTM) was the winner, with Australia’s Dean Ferris – making his debut in the KTM factory team – in 14th.
The second round of the championship will be held at Phoenix Chase Field on January 11.
For full results and standings, click here.
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