After missing the top five in an AMA Supercross event for the first time in 88 starts last week Yamaha’s Chad Reed bounced back to record his sixth victory of the season and finished ahead of brand-mate Josh Hill at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis last weekend. The Australian headed a YZ450F ‘1-2’ on the podium of the ninth round from seventeen in the series – an FIM World Championship - to give Yamaha their fourth win at the venue and first since 2002.
The 25 year old, who took some time to get into a rhythm during practice on a track he helped design, determinedly seized the holeshot and disappeared with the main event Saturday evening in front of Hill and Andrew Short. It was his first ever SX class success in Indianapolis although the result did extend his impressive tally of five podiums in five starts at the Dome.
“I struggled in practice – I was second both times – and I think that wasn’t cool to design the track and then not be the fastest guy,” he commented. “But I redeemed myself in the main, and it just feels awesome to be back up where we belong.”
“I’m so happy to get this win,” added Reed who had gone two rounds without a triumph after previously setting a record with victory in every Californian event. “A second place and a sixth position really isn’t that bad, but in my book, it sucks. I just wanted to get back out here and get on top. I’m just looking forward to Daytona now. It’s one of my favourite races in the world, and I can’t wait.”
The former champion now leads the standings by 34 points over Kevin Windham.
Hill made the podium for the second time while Nathan Ramsey (eighth place) and Josh Hansen (tenth) ensured that the YZ450F scooped four positions in the final top ten; more than any other manufacturer. Grant Langston was still unable to compete, having to sit out with an eye complaint.
“It’s Kevin Windham,” said Hill who had to pass the Honda man and Reed’s main title rival for his podium slot. “I’ve been watching him since I was like seven years old. It’s just amazing for me to be up there racing with him and dicing with him. I had to ride really aggressively out there tonight. There was only really one fast line, and it was on the outside, so you had to just push it in there and take a line away.”
Teenager Tyla Bowers was seventh on the YZ250F in the East Coast Lites class and currently lies fifth in the standings.
Round ten takes place this Friday at International Speedway in Daytona.
