Image: Simon Cudby.

A puzzled Chad Reed has elaborated on Motorcycling Australia (MA) selectors’ decision not to grant him a position on Team Australia for the 2018 Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) at RedBud in October.

The Australian squad will feature Hunter Lawrence (MX2), Kirk Gibbs (MXGP) and Mitch Evans (Open) as MXoN returns to the US for the first time since 2010.

Reed, 36, is adamant that he would have been fully-prepared if selected and did make himself available for the Michigan event, stating that he believes no Australian aside from reigning triple national champion Dean Ferris would be able to defeat him outdoors with his current preparation being considered.

“I’d like to add some info to my MXoN post yesterday after seeing some industry posts,” Reed posted to his social media channels. “I refused comment to all media. Creating that post made me smile with all those MXoN pictures. The memories instantly made me feel extremely proud.

“The MXoN is always marked on my calendar (19yrs now). The race being in the USA, I immediately wanted to race! Representing Australia one last time in the USA where I have built my dream for the past 17 years seemed like an epic way to finish it off.

“Time was on my side to put in the effort required. I didn’t ask to be on the team because of current MX results – I asked for that special moment and I personally feel I’ve earned that chance. If Motorcycling Australia is focused on a winning team, why would they put the second round of the Aussie SX championship on the same date?

“Questioning my current form and my lack of MX racing? I understand. But the conversation behind closed doors was that I would be putting in that effort. I’m not up for embarrassing myself or the team, I didn’t forget how to ride a motorcycle, but you have to be fit to get after it.

“Though 2018 SX was the most difficult and unsuccessful racing of my career, I’ve been working hard to get myself back in shape after my injury. I am so motivated to get there and I will continue that. It’s my opinion that there is no current Australian outside of Dean Ferris that could beat me with the effort I am putting in.

“I question [Australian team manager Michael Byrne’s] decision, but with that said I have accepted it, shifted my focus and I am happy to pass the torch. It has been a pleasure [Australia], good luck boys. I’ll keep focusing on project 2019.”

While Reed has closed the chapter on his hopes to represent Team Australia one last time, fans online have called for the dual citizen of Australia and the US to consider entering for Puerto Rico – a move that would send shockwaves through the sport globally.

Alongside Reed, also putting his hand up for selection was longtime international and former Pro Motocross 450 Class number two Brett Metcalfe, who has spent the past two seasons competing locally. He too was hopeful of representing Australia one final time – the pair clinching Australia’s only podium with Matt Moss in 2011.

Reed’s next confirmed appearance is slated for the two-round 2018 Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship, beginning in Sydney on 10 October and continuing with the inaugural Auckland event on 24 November.