Reed took the win at Hangtown AMA Motocross opener. Image: Simon Cudby/RacerXOnline.com.

After taking the win at round one of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship this past weekend, Chad Reed has credited better preparation and fitness as the major reasons for his successful start to the season.

As late as two weeks ago, there were still deliberations as to whether Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports team would actually line up for the nationals. With some added support from sponsors, they were able to front the gate for the weekend’s opener at Hangtown, winning the first national they have competed in.

“It was an eleventh hour decision to race the outdoors,” said Reed.

“If you had asked me two weeks ago I would have said we weren’t going to do it but my sponsors – BelRay, Shift, Etnies, Skull Candy along with some amazing support from Honda and Pro Circuit have made it possible.”

The Australian, who qualified second, got a good start in the opening 30minute moto and sat comfortably fourth out of Turn 1. Reed put himself in touch with the leaders while he found his feet and steadily worked his way forward to second.

Reed got another good start in the second race and immediately put his head down. As the race settled the lead was swapped a number of times before the TwoTwo Motorsports rider took control mid race.

Holding off a late charge from Race 1 winner Ryan Dungey, Reed took both the race win and overall round victory.

“That was definitely a great way to start the season.” Reed said. “We were better prepared than we were at the start of the Supercross season and I am feeling the fittest I ever have.

“The bike really felt good out there. With the outdoors it normally it takes a few races to get going but I can’t really fault anything today.

“It is going to be a tough season there are a lot of fast guys and they are going to step it up week after week,” he continued.

“I had an absolute blast out there today so much fun and the win was an added bonus,” Reed concluded

The AMA Pro Motocross championship now moves to Freestone, Texas this weekend, where Reed will look to keep the red leaders plate on his number 22 Honda machine.