Chad Reed: A Legacy in Motocross
In a heartfelt farewell speech reflecting on his illustrious career, Chad Reed revealed the challenges and milestones that defined his journey through motocross. Beginning with early family struggles and moving from Australia at age 11, Reed’s career commenced in earnest when he accepted an offer from agent Bob Moore to race in the United States for Yamaha of Troy in 2002.
Reed wasted no time making an impact; he secured the 125SX East Championship in his rookie year and claimed his first AMA Supercross Championship in his third season. Throughout his 20-year career in Monster Energy Supercross, Reed achieved significant milestones, including two championships—one in 2004 on a YZ250 and another in 2008 aboard a YZ450F. This unique achievement placed him alongside Ricky Carmichael as the only riders to win Supercross titles on both two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycles.
By the conclusion of his career in 2020, Reed had amassed a staggering 44 SX main event victories, ranking him fifth all-time. Notably, he also holds several records: a total of 265 starts, 132 podiums, 59 runner-up finishes, and 4,503 career points. Competing against legends such as Ricky Carmichael, James Stewart, and Ryan Villopoto, Reed’s legacy is firmly entrenched in motorsport history.
Key achievements include:
- 1999: Finished 17th in the 125 class at San Diego SX.
- 2001: Became the first Australian to win a moto in the FIM Motocross of Nations at Namur, Belgium.
- 2002: Led Australia to victory in the World Cup of Motocross at Glen Helen following the cancellation of the MXoN.
- 2009: Secured his first 450 Pro Motocross win and championship.
- 2011: Led Australia to its first-ever MXoN podium in France and won a moto against competitors Ken Roczen and Ryan Dungey.
- 2007: Won the prestigious King of Bercy at the Paris Supercross, the first Australian to do so.
- Reed is the only rider to win Supercross main events on four different motorcycle brands: Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, and Honda.
Reed’s resilience and determination have not only shaped his career but also inspired a new generation of riders, including his own three children, who are now following in his footsteps. His journey, laden with challenges—from difficult familial relationships to the high stakes of professional racing—culminates in a legacy that resonates deeply within the motorsports community.
