Image: Simon Cudby.

After months of testing and training, Australia’s Chad Reed and Discount Tire Racing are ready for the gates to drop on tomorrow’s opening round of the 2014 Monster Energy Supercross Championship at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium.

The event sees Reed, who is the most consistent rider in supercross history, with the most podium results of all-time, back on board a Kawasaki KX450F for the first time since 2010.

“For me it was about riding every bike to see what suited me best,” Reed said. “I’m probably just as surprised as anybody that I chose this bike after the last time I was on it.

“The bike has changed, we saw that last year, and I’m going to go do my thing. I’m healthy and I’m going to do the best I can and put the bike, me and more than anything Discount Tire on the stop step.”

A format change for the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship sees only the top four from each heat automatically progress to the final, and the addition of semi-final races.

“A lot has obviously changed over the years with race formats and I think when I rode some West Coast races in 2002 we had semi-final races,” Reed continued.

“So it will be different, but the same all at once. Anaheim has a lot of pressure, and a lot of hype around it anyway, but when you’ve been here a time or two it’s kind of fun, you can take it all in and enjoy the moment.”

Reed, who has endured a roller coaster ride of highs and lows since creating his own team, returns to the start line for his 13th season in the coveted championship (12th in the premier class) healthier, fitter and more confident than ever.

“I’ve got a good group of guys, Ellie and the two kids so life is great right now,” Reed said. “We’re having a blast. I get to do my training and be a mini dad in the afternoons after we pick Tate up from school.

“Honestly, I would say that my life is the best it’s ever been and I’m excited to be here and enjoy that moment with them.”

The opening round of the 2014 Monster Energy AMA Supercross will be held at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium tomorrow.