Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Chad Reed took the opportunity to test his strength and recovery progress last weekend, riding practice and qualifying at the Daytona Supercross event.

After a lengthy stint on the sidelines recovering from a hand injury the Australian is looking forward to a return to racing in the near future. He began specific fitness training two weeks ago and climbed aboard the bike last week.

After a consultation with his surgeon, the multiple Supercross champ was given promising news on his progress just days before the Daytona event.

Reed attended a number of corporate appearances with the team last Friday, before making the decision late on Friday night to contest the practice and qualifying sessions. His return to form was instant, setting the quickest time in both initial sessions.

Despite having no intention of racing, he felt it offered a good opportunity to test his comfort on a bike in what would be the closest he would come to a race simulation.

“It felt really good to be back and riding at Daytona,” said Reed. “At around 9pm on the Friday night I decided to have my practice bike brought to the track for the next day.

“My surgeon has said he is pleased with how my hand is healing. I will go back to him in the days to come and seek his opinion about the upcoming races.

“It felt great to be out there and I’m really looking forward to racing once the recovery process is fully complete.”

Reed is expected to return within the coming rounds to finish out the season.

Visit www.chadreedracing.com for the latest updates on his progress.