Fluid PR press release:

Australia’s Chad Reed will attempt to wrestle back the points lead of Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM World Championship, during this weekend’s penultimate round of competition in Salt Lake City following an uncharacteristic mid-field finish in last Saturday’s main event.

Reed entered the event as the frontrunner but was shuffled to second after a tough 20-lap stoush where he placed seventh.

The #1 plate-holder fought back from dead last following a start gate crash, working his way through the field to claim every possible point.

With 50 points still on offer at Rice-Eccles Stadium (Salt Lake City) and Sam Boyd Stadium (Las Vegas), the 3-point deficit to title rival James Stewart is a realistic target.

“We’ve already put last weekend behind us, it was a disappointing result but what’s done is done and we’re focused on getting the job done properly in Salt Lake City this Saturday,” said the two-time World/AMA Supercross champion.

“There is no real margin for error – it’s a two-way race as it has been all season and the rider that is hungriest for the title will win.

“I’ve been supported 100% of the way by the team at Rockstar Makita Suzuki and we’ve worked together this week to best prepare ourselves for a result.

“If I can get away cleanly I’m confident that I have what it takes to come away with a win.”

A number of factors could play a part in this weekend’s penultimate event.

The race start will be crucial, with one of the longest straights between the gates and first turn on the calendar so far.

The threat of rain is imminent, and could reduce the soft, rutted soil to mud within a matter of minutes.

The final factor could work in Reed’s favour; his RM-Z450 sports fuel injection as opposed to a carburettor, and could hold a slight advantage in Salt Lake City which has a higher elevation above sea level than the other series rounds.