Defending 450 Class titleholder Chad Reed is hoping to shake a recent form slump and re-assert himself as a threat when the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship continues at Red Bud in Buchanan, Michigan, this weekend.

The largest event on the outdoors’ calendar is also the half-way point, and Reed knows he must find pace in order to chase down series leader Ryan Dungey.

While it’s been an up-and-down season for the Australian, consistency has kept him in the hunt. When unable to challenge for a spot on the podium, Reed has kept his cool and collected points where others have pushed to beyond breaking point.

The only rider to take an overall victory away from Dungey, Reed said his focus was fixed on starting well and felt this was key to keeping in check with those setting the pace.

“I love coming to Red Bud, it’s a big race meeting and I always look forward to racing here. Last year this was the event that really helped me moved forward in my goal of taking the outdoors title,” said the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider.

“The past few events have been decided at the start gates. With such an even field it is important to not get mixed up in the back, you give the front guys an advantage that takes the entire moto to make back.”

Reed has collected points in all five outdoor rounds to date heading into the sixth he sits third on the championship standings. He has 160 points next to his name, 7 shy of fellow Aussie Brett Metcalfe.

The RedBud track is home to the largest obstacle in US motocross, ‘LaRocco’s Leap’, a 120-foot uphill triple jump that has to be approached at top speed.

Australian viewers can tune in to Fuel TV’s live broadcast of the series at 5.30am on Sunday morning and again at 8.30am.