Atlanta, GA – Injury has failed to rob Chad Reed of the lead in the 2008 Monster Energy® AMA Supercross championship after the Australian put in a courageous effort to finish sixth at the eighth of the series at Atlanta’s Georgia Dome.
After setting the fastest lap in qualifying and winning his heat, Reed looked set to continue his domination of the elite series after obtaining the Hole shot for the 20 lap final in front of the massive crowd of 67,429.
As the race proceeded the 26-year-old Australian continued to do what he has been doing all year and forged a strong lead over the field until the end of the fifth lap when he went over the handlebars at the Wall of Death.
With true determination, Reed remounted his Yamaha YZ450F and completed the race despite suffering from concussion and carrying an injured left wrist. The race was won by Davi Millsaps.
“I was having a lot of fun out there and when I tried to take a different line it just didn’t come off for me,” Reed said, “I managed to get it together and after being outside the top ten completed a few consistent laps until the end of the race to finish sixth.”
“After last weekend we knew a good start was critical for this evening and I did that with the Hole shot. Next weekend I’ll strive to put it all together for the end of the race again.
After winning five of the seven rounds 2008 Monster Energy Drink AMA Supercross championship, Reed still has a healthy 25 point lead over his nearest competitor Kevin Windham.
After finishing sixth this weekend, Reed will strive to take third position on the all time podium list at Indianapolis next weekend by finishing in first, second or third for the 81st time in his AMA Supercross career.
2008 AMA Supercross Class Results, Atlanta
Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda
Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki
Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Yamaha
Charles Summey, Huntersville, N.C., Yamaha
Paul Carpenter, Ithaca, N.Y., Honda
David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki
Jason Thomas, Melrose, Fla., Honda
2008 AMA Supercross Class Season Standings
Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Yamaha, 184
Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda, 159
Tim Ferry, Largo, Fla., Kawasaki, 137
Davi Millsaps, Cairo, Ga., Honda, 123
Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, Honda, 121
Nathan Ramsey, Menifee, Calif., Yamaha, 101
Joshua Hill, Yoncalla, Ore., Yamaha, 84
Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., KTM, 84
David Vuillemin, Murrieta, Calif., Suzuki, 72
Mike Alessi, Victorville, Calif., Suzuki, 69
Chad Reed and San Manuel Racing are proudly sponsored by San Manuel, Yamaha, Fusion Energy, Nike, Parts Unlimited, THOR, Bridgestone, D.I.D.,VP Fuels, GYTR, Yamalube, One Industries, Pro Taper, OGIO, Alpinestars and Scott. |
