Image: Foremost Media.

Dual AMA Supercross champion Chad Reed has indicated that the 2019 Monster Energy S-X Open International FIM Oceania Supercross Championship will mark his final appearances in New Zealand and Australia at the professional level.

Reed, 37, revealed during today’s S-X Open Auckland pre-event press conference at Mt Smart Stadium that he’d be more inclined to return in an ambassador role, putting on exhibition races throughout the night show.

However, the longtime Australian fan-favourite believes the Auckland and Melbourne stops will be his last in competition locally, as his future beyond these pair of events still remains uncertain. He’s still hopeful of racing in the US full-time through 2020.

“I don’t think it will be the last you actually see me race,” Reed declared. “Whether I’m here and try to battle with RC [Ricky Carmichael] or BT [Ben Townley], I think I’d generally like to race in the off-season, but this will likely be the last time I’ll race [these events] as a full-time professional motocross athlete.”

Set to pilot a Penrite Racing Mountain Motorsport Honda CRF450R for his S-X Open championship defence, Reed says he’s still feeling less than 100 per cent leading into tomorrow’s event after suffering a pair of broken ribs at the Paris Supercross last weekend, prompting his to sit out today’s press day riding session.

“I’m a little beat up, if I’m honest,” he added. “I crashed last weekend in Paris and broke two ribs. That’s why I sat out today. I always try to live to my end of the bargain, and tomorrow race time – I’ll put some gear on tomorrow and will see if I can get through it.”