Chad Reed PR:

Rockstar Makita Suzuki’s Chad Reed will take up the team’s charge at High Point Raceway in Mount Morris this weekend after his teammate was ruled out with injury.

The fourth round of the Lucas Oils AMA Pro Motocross Championship will present the best opportunity yet for the ever-improving Reed to score his first career outdoor win following two consecutive podiums.

Currently placed second, Reed has been the fastest qualifier at every round to date and recorded solid moto finishes despite battling an energy-sapping illness.

High Point Raceway will be bittersweet for Reed, who will race to reduce the gap to fellow factory RM-Z450 pilot, the sidelined Mike Alessi.

Reed said his focus would be on early, consistent laps as the gates fell.

“Starts are the sticking point at the moment, I feel as though I can really challenge for wins if I am feeling my best at the line,” said Reed.

“I have no problem qualifying and the speed is certainly there; each round we’ve gotten faster and it’s a credit to the team that the bike is the top qualifier week in, week out.

“I am prepared to grind it out in the races for as long as I can, and a win would certainly be a big confidence booster.”

Reed will enter the event 31 points shy of first place.