Reed set to challenge Stewart again at Big A

By: RICK HOFF - Staff Writer | Friday, February 2, 2007 11:09 PM PST ∞

ANAHEIM ---- With supercross superstar Ricky Carmichael racing a limited stadium schedule this season, James Stewart seemed poised to dominate the Amp'd Mobile AMA Supercross Series for 2007.

Not so fast, says Chad Reed.

"We can beat him," Reed said Thursday as he prepared for tonight's third series stop at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. "We wouldn't race if we didn't have a shot at the title."

Reed and Carmichael won the first two races on the World Supercross GP Series, but Stewart took the checkered flag for the first three races of the AMA Series, including the first two races at Anaheim last month.

But in Carmichael's final race at San Francisco last weekend, it was Reed who took the lead from the inside position in the main event for the supercross class. Reed, Carmichael and Stewart battled through five lead changes in the early going before crashes by Stewart and Reed allowed Carmichael to grab the win.

"It wasn't like I crashed while a distant second or third," Reed said. "We were right there, and I felt my mistakes were less than the other two.

"But I made one big one and it cost me the race. I need to be strong all 20 laps."

Reed will get another shot at the Big A tonight. Two weeks ago at Angel Stadium, Reed ran strong while winning his preliminary heat race, but it was Stewart who dominated the final, finishing 13.5 seconds ahead of Reed.

"I had a real good heat race, but in the main event I struggled," said Reed, who has battled numerous injuries since winning the 2004 AMA Supercross Series championship. "I have to be more consistent and ride my lines."

Reed, 24, was happy with his start in the main event last weekend at AT&T Park, where he took the $1,500 Progressive Direct Holeshot Award.

"I had an awesome start, and I've been hit-and-miss with my starts," Reed said. "We all got a great start, and then we all made mistakes. That's a tough track to go fast on.

"San Francisco is a small stadium, with lap times in the 42s (seconds). That creates intensity, and everybody was pushing on a track that's quite tight."

With his upper body still sore from a test-lap crash last month, the last thing Reed needed last weekend was another spill.

"But I leaned into it too much and the rear end got away from me," Reed said.

But at least it wasn't Stewart running away with another win.

"There was a lot of talk about Bubba (Stewart) riding a perfect season," Reed said. "But it's a long season and anything can happen."

With a race every weekend during the supercross season, Reed isn't about to let a bruised clavicle or a shoulder that was operated on at the end of last season keep him down.

"The biggest thing has been my breathing," he said. "With the hit that my sternum took, it's made my breathing difficult sometimes.

"But I find it more enjoyable to go out and race through the pain as opposed to sitting in the stands watching."

And although he still rides a Yamaha, Reed is racing for a new team this season, L&M Racing.

"Being with a new team can be awkward at first, but everybody is starting to jell now," said the native Australian, who has homes in Lake Elsinore and Florida. "The vibe is great, and if anyone has an idea you don't have to go through 10 people to make it happen."

Reed made an early observation of the season's third Big A layout on Thursday.

"Anaheim is notorious for not having the greatest of transitions," he said. "This track looks a lot different than the last two. It's quite busy, and I can't wait to get out and give it a try."

Contact staff writer Rick Hoff at (760) 740-3545 or rhoff@nctimes.com.