CHAD REED:

A lack of laps came between Chad Reed and victory at tonight’s third round of Super X at Perth’s Burswood Dome, with the defending champion scrambling to second after a bad start.

The Monster Energy Kawasaki rider set the early pace as he has all season long, establishing himself as the one to beat aboard the KX450F.

He entered the Round Robin format brimming with confidence and easily won all three heats, giving him the advantage of first gate pick for the ten-lap final.

A slow start saw Reed buried mid-pack and faced with the challenge of fighting back over just 10 laps.

He executed a series of textbook passes and was closing in on leader Daniel Reardon before meeting with the chequered flag earlier than expected.

Second place for the round hands Reed 22 points and sees him slip to second in the race for Open class honours.

“It was a good night and was entertaining for the fans who came out to see it,” said Reed. “The bike was awesome and I felt like I was riding pretty well.”

“This format placed extra emphasis on the start, unfortunately I didn’t get away well enough and wasted a lot of time coming back through the field.

“I closed right up on Daniel (Reardon) but ran out of time to make a pass, I felt sure there was a lap or two left!”

“He put in a great effort and should be congratulated on a really good ride tonight.”

Reed is 2 points shy of Reardon on the standings – 69 points versus 67.

The next round of Super X will be held on Saturday November 7 at Canberra Stadium.