Image: Simon Cudby.

Discount Tire Racing/TwoTwo Motorsports has revealed that Dean Wilson will stand in for Australia’s Chad Reed in select rounds of Monster Energy Supercross aboard the team’s KX450F.

Reed, 31, underwent shoulder surgery this week that will force him out of the remainder of the supercross season, following his final lap fall while in title contention during San Diego’s sixth round of the 2014 season.

Prior to Reed’s injury he was in the midst of a revival season, picking up victories at both Anaheim 2 and 3, with a consistent podium run to his credit.

“For me I’m ready to heal up and get back into training and focus my time and energy on getting ready for outdoors,” said Reed. “I’m excited for Dean because it is the team’s long term goal to have multiple riders on the team and Dean’s name has been kicked around the semi for a long time.

“This is our first chance to see how it goes with another rider in the mix. Not only is Dean a good friend, but is also somebody who I respect for his talent. I’m excited for the chance to work with him and not dwell on the fact that I’m out of the championship.

“I’m excited to put a headset on and go to the races as team owner and try to see what we can do and have fun with Deano.”

The news comes as the second time TwoTwo has looked at replacing Reed while injured; previously selecting Ben Townley to stand in during 2012 before he was injured prior to debuting with the team.

Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki regular Wilson has already tested for Discount Tire Racing, the team sharing resources and a tight-knit relationship with Mitch Payton’s Pro Circuit brand.

Wilson has prior experience racing the KX450F in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross, however this will be his first attempt at racing in the 450SX class. Upon entering his first 450 race, Wilson looks forward to the opportunity of learning under Reed’s guidance.

“Joining Discount Tire Racing/TwoTwo Motorsports is going to be an awesome experience for me,” Wilson beamed. “Obviously I know Chad pretty well and I got the phone call last Saturday after he decided that he wasn’t going to be racing. It was a pretty cool phone call to get that he wants me to race his bike!

“I’ve wanted to do the 450 rounds on the east coast just to keep racing because I feel like I’m riding pretty well at the moment. Mitch [Payton] and Reid [Nordin, Kawasaki race team manager] were really supportive of this move, as well as the other team sponsors.

“I just want to mix it up with the boys and have fun. There is no pressure so it should just be some good racing and some good experience for me.”

Payton, whose East Coast 250SX team swept the Arlington podium last weekend, believes Wilson racing in the east on the 450 will bode well for his West Coast 250SX campaign.

“We’re very happy that Chad has reached out to Dean to fill in for him while he is recovering,” said Payton. “Both Chad and Pro Circuit are really good friends, as Dean and Chad are also.

“We believe Chad’s team is organized and ready to do battle and we think this will be good for Dean to get experience in the 450 class. Coming off his West coast it is good to keep him out there racing and getting seat time.”

The team is yet to confirm when Wilson will make his debut with Discount Tire Racing; potentially as soon as this weekend in Atlanta. Reed will attend the majority of events in the role of team owner/mentor for Wilson.