Damaged wheel puts Reed out of 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross opener

// January 10th, 2010 // BLOG

After a successful lead-up to the 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Series Australia’s Supercross Champion Chad Reed has experienced a horror opening event at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium with a broken front wheel forcing him to the sidelines on the first lap of the Main Event.

Reed, who was third in his heat and happy with the way his Monster Energy Kawasaki  KX450F was responding to changes throughout the day was attempting a pass on Austin Stroupe for fifth place when the Suzuki rider made contact with his front wheel.

With several of the front wheel spokes completely broken Reed had no choice but to retire from the race and hand over his damaged factory Kawasaki to his mechanic.

Reed immediately expressed his short lived disappointment with the way his season had started to the race commentary team whilst vowing to return to the podium next week.

“This was not the way I had planned to start 2010,” Reed said. “I missed the start but was up into sixth and trying to make something happen when Austin Stroupe turned into me.

“It was a pretty big hit, his footpeg ended up in my front wheel and sheared the spokes out of it. From that moment there was nothing I could do to continue racing, the bike was unrideable and no longer safe.

“The critics will see a round DNF as a massive blow to my championship but it won’t be. Remember this is a long championship where anything can happen and everyone will have a bad week. I will just stick to my simple plan which is to win races and let the championship come,” Reed stated.

Reed will immediately begin preparing for the second round of the series which will be held at Chase Field in Phoenix on Saturday 16 January.

Monster Energy AMA Supercross Round 1 Results – Angel Stadium, Anaheim CA

1. James Stewart, 25pts 
2. Ryan Dungey,  22pts 
3. Kevin Windham, 20pts 
4. Andrew Short, 18pts 
5. Ryan Villopoto, 16pts
6. Josh Hill, 15pts 
7. Ivan Tedesco, 14pts 
8.Justin Brayton, 13pts 
9. Davi Millsaps, 10pts 
10. Grant Langston, 11pts 
19. Chad Reed, 2pts

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160 Responses to “Damaged wheel puts Reed out of 2010 Monster Energy AMA Supercross opener”

  1. corbinsmom says:

    Isn't that the truth. Since we can't predict conditions, health, injuries we need to keep in mind that anything can happen in this sport – and in the end it's all about the points and they are there to be had every week. BRING ON THE RAIN THOUGH!

  2. SteveB says:

    Anyone who discounts Reedy are fools. Nothing like riding with nothing to lose! Bring on next week. Go twotwo!

  3. corbinsmom says:

    Isn't that the truth. Since we can't predict conditions, health, injuries we need to keep in mind that anything can happen in this sport – and in the end it's all about the points and they are there to be had every week. BRING ON THE RAIN THOUGH!

  4. Ben says:

    GO REED #22

  5. TR Knucklefeather says:

    It's a long season. You are absolutely right, everyone will have a bad race or two. Stay positive. Don't push too hard. Ride steady. Finish consistently. They will come back to you. You'll be in the hunt by mid-season.

  6. W-MAN says:

    wy didnt the youst switch wheel ? we always have backuo pair in the pits, think its unprofessional

    • W-MAN says:

      besides not leting lites guys race 450 class would be lika not letting Pastrana or charmichael come back and only race one race, they can destroy championship asmuch
      think a little

  7. Do the rules aloud them to go out to the pits and then back in the races ? They must do that wheel change in a districted area.

  8. We didn’t know for sure if James Stewart would full-fill Ralph Sheheen’s constant need for him to be ‘the fastest man on the planet’ but he did what he was supposed to do and that was win the race. I’m certainly not going to say that he sucks or anything like that but I was left wanting more from Ol’Crazy Balls. James is fast and funl to watch ride but on Saturday he looked like…I don’t know…maybe normal would be the word.

  9. Jake_ says:

    He definatly didn't look like he was pushing it very hard until the end of the race when he needed to. Perhaps he is tired and not in game shape yet. Perhaps he took it easy since Reed was in the pits. Maybe he lost a step…. The good news is these questions will be answered soon. I am so much happier now that the season has started and it's not all just anticipation.

    • Yeah he didnt look like the old james, but still manage to win. No more drippy drippy starts for any of the major player, then we can see the some raw speed action. I dont think dungey will be able to push it on every track. I think he will have a hard time to adapt as fast as Reed or James.

      Go 22!

      • mx567 says:

        It looked like James was just pacing around knowing Dungey would eventually burn out after a few laps, but after lap 13 or so James started to think he better turn it up as RD didn't really tire. I did see RD land hard a few times latter on which make it look like he was getting tired, but hats off to James for pulling it off again and taking the win.

      • Jake_ says:

        I didn't think Dungey could push it on any track. Apparently I was wrong. Maybe he will be able to bring it more than we think. A1 was probably more technical and maybe that suits him better. Who knows but as I said it won't take long to find out :)

        • mx567 says:

          We'll know in a few days, but I think Dungey surprised everyone. What I like is that he has the mindset that he believes he can beat James and that is already half the battle. A few more days and we'll know more, but from the outdoors RD always looked fast on the faster tracks so he's really come a long way.

          • Jake says:

            I'm not so sure he thinks he can beat JS. I mean, how demoralizing is it to be up 5 seconds on a guy over halfway through a race and he beats you. We'll find out tomorrow.

  10. GregandSally says:

    No worries Chad..You're still our Champ and always will be. From this point on, get the rest of the hole shots and whip some butt. I actually think that you ride better when the pressure is on, so go out and slam the field. Oz and Jett are watching too…God Bless to you and Ellie.

  11. Zien19 says:

    I know it will be hard but Reed will prvail. I just wonder why the tire wasn't changed as well.

  12. mx racr says:

    we like you so much… we just wish there was some kind of a way that you could learn how to go as fast as stewart….even if you never go as fast as stewart your're still a great rider. like carmichael said stewart is the fastest on 2 wheels but there's always that chance maybe you could beat him.

  13. Arts says:

    No dramas Reedy. Think back to 03. Dominated RC 6 races in a row. Fire up! A few wins will put the pressure on that loose cannon ;)

  14. A. Stroupe says:

    Karma karma karma karma karma chameleon :)

  15. corbinsmom says:

    I am still looking forward to seeing Chad put in a good 20 laps this week the way I know he can – sure wish we could all watch the race live, but listening is better than nothing. San Fran won't come soon enough for me, at least I'll be able to be there! A-3 is currently an option for us – but as much as I wouldn't mind the rain for the race, since Chad rides so well in, it I'm not sure I want to gamble again on having to sit in it myself and be chilled to the bone for the duration.

  16. PsYChe says:

    My heart was broken seeing Chad leaving the race… I have been following your races though Supercross will never be broadcasted here in the Philippines…

    How I wish my son would be like you in the Future…

    Hope you'll prove them wrong next week and the next races to come…

    GO CHAD

  17. Nick says:

    Not the start you were hopign for no doubts, but you can't train for bad luck.

    You've got the speed and on top of that a whole heap of fans willing you on and really hoping the best for you and your team.

    I was watching the 2006 season and saw how you never gave up the chase on Ricky even on the last lap, that was an inspirational attitude and you're gonna need some of that.

    You'll be right, just don't line up next to any wild cards!

  18. EDi says:

    Don't let that get your head down Chad! Anything can still happen! Just keep going for the win with the same heart as before! I'm rooting for you every race! :)

  19. TYRONE MADDEN says:

    Chad is one of the most naturally gifted riders in his era and of all time,the motorcycling world will see in very few times,his natural dedication to what he set out to persue all those years ago in Aust.is what champions are about.perserverance and dedication will shine few.If you had seen him ride like i saw him did when he was sixteen in supercross in NSW.he was always going to be destined to stardom.

  20. dean1401 says:

    Go kick some butt Chad. I'll be shouting all the way!

  21. AJ3 says:

    Wow, everyone in our section cheered and waved bye-bye to you as you rode off the track!! Then when we were at the pits and you and Villipoto were talking and everyone was calling Chad, Chad and you wouldn't even turn around and acknowledge any of your fans…Villipoto sure turned around and gave his fans a big smile when they called out his name, well that just showed what an a$$ you really are. We watched the race when we got home and loved it when RC said, "I don't see anything wrong with his bike." Ha! And when Despain did the intro he said, Chad only seems to win when his competitor is hurt was hysterical!! You were slow on your heat lap too! Loved it. And by the way you will never catch Stewart and maybe even Dungey this season (unless of course someone gets hurt–LOL) because lets face it you are no Stewart.

    • corbinsmom says:

      Everyone sitting in not only our section but those around us were cheering for Chad. Stewart got so many "boo's" during his intro that he stopped and motioned several times for the crowd to make noise and cheer him! Obviously you were sitting in the moron section – from your comments an appropriate place for you. I don' think that you can argue with the facts that "half the spokes", reported on RacerX by Simon Cudby was nothing wrong. It was a tough day for Chad all day and to be on his web site showing glee and making asinine comments like you have is beyond reproach. Thank God Chad isn't a Stewart, fast & reckless does not mean better.

  22. corbinsmom says:

    I don't believe Reed's been crying about anything that happened so what the heck's your problem? IT'S RACING MAN, AND IT'S EARLY IN THE SEASON, ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. I THINK JS WILL BE FORCED INTO MAKING SOME BIG MISTAKES. BOBBLES COULD BOBBLE HIMSELF RIGHT OUT OF THE SEASON – HE'S RECKLESS, FAST, BUT RECKLESS. THE BOTTOM LINE IS IT'S NOT ABOUT FAST IT'S ABOUT POINTS AND CONSISTENCY, AND AT THIS POINT OF THE SEASON ONLY TIME WILL TELL.

    • mx567 says:

      The season is long and things can change fast. Chad still will still be right up there at the end.

    • Jake says:

      Why do you even waste your time responding to people like this? Let him do his drive by ranting and let it be. It's not like your going to change his narrow minded opinion.

      Man, you should write a book on optimism because you have more than anyone I've ever seen.

  23. cynthia says:

    Chad will do his best to win the # 1 plate back.GO TWO TWO !!!

  24. mx567 says:

    JS is the only guy that can pull off something like that! I think if he's 10 seconds behind, he'll still be able to get ahead in short notice. It's actually real fun to watch when he starts getting itchy to explode out into the lead. I sue wish Chad would have practiced his starts this season and I feel this is where he's going to lose it most of the time.

  25. Jake says:

    Chad will get his starts going again. Remember it was halfway through the season last year before he started getting used to his new bike and was pulling hole shots.