Aussie Chad Reed has been focused on starts this week ahead of Budds Creek. Image: Racer X Online/Simon Cudby.

TwoTwo Motorsports’/Bel-Ray Racing’s Chad Reed has focused on starts ahead of this weekend’s Budds Creek round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship.

The 29-year-old Aussie was first to admit that his High Point starts were a letdown, and has placed strong emphasis on getting away from the gates cleanly and quickly during a solid week of practice and training.

“I had mixed results at High Point and have put this down to slow starts,” Reed said. “This has been a focal point of my training this week, I need to get away from the line well and get into some sort of rhythm early on.

“Last weekend’s result could have been better, but it could have been worse. I consolidated in the second moto and kept the points lead alive, and I’m hoping to build on that at Budds Creek.”

Just a day after his gallant display at High Point, Reed’s name rocked mainstream media channels in Australia with the announcement that he had been honoured with a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to motorsport and the community on a national and international basis.

Chad Reed AM joins an esteemed few in the motorsport arena, sitting alongside the likes of motorcycle world champion Mick Doohan, off-road motorcycle legend Geoff Ballard and touring car legend Peter Brock.

Reed is the second-youngest Australian to receive the AM and admits he was overwhelmed to receive the news of his accolade.

“It’s still sinking in and is quite unbelieveable. All I wanted to do as a kid was to ride a motorcycle as fast as I could – you dream of being a professional athlete and I’m fortunate enough to be able to do what I have always loved,” Reed added.

“To be recognised with such an award is an absolute honour and one that I will treasure. To join Peter Brock and Mick Doohan on the list is incredible.

“I took a gamble when I was young. At 18 I decided that it was the right time to tackle the world and packed my life up and went overseas to do what I love to do.

“I took a chance and it paid off. It’s such a privilege to be able to do what I do, and very humbling to receive this award.”

Reed currently leads the way in the 450cc ranks, heading last round winner Ryan Villopoto by 15 points.