Source: Supplied.

Finding a way to start each 450SX main event at the front of the field is paramount for Australia’s Chad Reed as the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship heads east for the first time this weekend in Minneapolis.

Notching just three main event starts inside the top 10 during the opening six rounds, Reed’s highest starting position to date has been a sixth in Phoenix, resulting in a season-best second-place result.

Battling through the depths of the premier class field for much of the season, the Monster Energy/Yamalube/Chaparral/Yamaha Financial Services/Yamaha rider is focused on making further progress this weekend within the brand new U.S. Bank Stadium – especially on softer terrain aboard his YZ450F.

“I’m excited to get to visit and race in another new stadium,” said Reed. “The dirt in Minnesota is usually really good and the track design looks to be another one that will be start position dominant. I’m aiming to be back at 100 percent and, as always, working on a solution to help me on my starts.”

The ever-popular two-time Monster Energy AMA Supercross champion currently sits eighth overall in the premier class standings after being forced to pit with a technical problem in Texas last weekend.