Reed to set up his own MX team

After 12 years of racing for factory operations throughout Australia, Europe and the United States Chad Reed has made the switch from employee to boss, announcing that he’ll be on the startline for the opening round of the 2011 AMA Supercross Championship with his own team.

For a rider who is used to earning millions of dollars, the decision by Reed to start his own outfit from scratch – and now write the cheques instead of banking them -- is a massive one, but it’s an oft-mentioned path he has always wanted to take.

“When I came back to Australia (to race in the opening round of the 2010 Super X) I knew I still had the fire in my belly and that night in Newcastle when I raced under my own banner confirmed it for me,” said Reed.

"I am aware of the hard work and sacrifice it will take, but in my mind the upside is far greater than the downside.

"If, and when, we win races this year they will be the most satisfying of my career. To win a title with my own team would be the most rewarding thing I have ever done.”

Reed has cited the legendary Jeremy McGrath as inspiration for his change in direction.

"When I first started out in this sport I looked up to and followed the career of McGrath and I feel I can draw some parallels to what he went through,” said Reed.

“One thing that I have learned from him and from my own years of racing at the top of this sport, is that there comes a time when you have to do it your own way.”

Reed’s team will be known as TwoTwo Motorsports, and he will campaign a Honda CRF450R, the bike he rode to a resounding victory at the Newcastle Super X. Reed will receive technical support from Pro Circuit, and Bel-Ray has already committed as one of the major sponsors.

It’s not yet known whether TwoTwo Motorsports will field a second rider in 2011, but further details are expected on that in coming weeks, as well as the key technical apointments.