Chad Reed made a solid return to racing at the 2012 Monster Energy Cup. Image: Simon Cudby.

TwoTwo Motorsports’ Chad Reed is satisfied with his fourth fourth place finish at the 2012 Monster Energy Cup at Las Vegas’ Sam Boyd Stadium.

The Monster Energy Cup was Reed’s first competitive event since tearing his ACL in February, the Australian showed good speed and stamina despite nearly eight months off the bike.

Reed progressed steadily through the early practice sessions, setting the fifth fastest time ahead of the three-race final.

In the opening 10 lap race Reed got a good start and maintained his position to finish fifth. In the second final, he was sitting comfortably in third but washed out and lost the front with three laps to go. Dropping back to seventh, Reed reclaimed a position to finish the race sixth.

Reed rode a smart and consistent final race to finish fourth, locking down fourth overall on the night.

“It was good to blow the cobwebs out and good to know where I am at in relation to the other guys,” Reed explained. “Obviously I am a little bit rusty, the only way to get race fit is to race.

“We are currently developing our race package for the 2013 bike,” Reed continued. “Fortunately Honda’s 2013 CRF450 is an awesome package straight off the showroom floor, so we have a great baseline to start with.

Reed now puts his focus towards heading to Australia to contest in the 2012 Terex Australian Supercross Championships, his first stop being Phillip Island’s round two.

“From here it is a mad rush to strip bikes and jump on our flight to Australia,” Reed added. “I am really looking forward to racing at next weekends second round of the Australian Supercross Championship which is being run as part of the Moto GP round at Phillip Island.”

Reed will also be joined by TwoTwo Motorsports technical staff Mike Gosselaar and Lars Lindstrom at the Australian events.