Larry Gude
Strung Out
...are the baddest MF'ers on this or any other planet.
#22 is Chad Reed, an Aussie, and long time top tier racer both in super cross and outdoors. Some people like him, some don't. Until this year.
He is seen by major sponsors, at 29, as perhaps on the downside of his career in a game that is ruthless, unforgiving and typically pretty brief for anyone with mid-late 20's being the end of the line for most. This having recently won the outdoor title in 2009 (clinching it, incidentally, at Budds Creek). That said, in a better economy, he probably would have gotten a solid 'ride' from somebody big.
So, what did Reed do this year? Sponsor himself. He finished second by 4 points in SX and is in the hunt for the title in MX, aka, 'the outdoor nationals'.
He also lost a closer friend and fellow pro, Andy McFarlane, about a year ago in a practice lap crash.
Andrew McFarlane (motocross racer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In a sport filled with spectacular crashes, some guys get up from and some they don't, this crash might be number one all time, especially because he got back on and finished the moto, saving valuable points.
Having rubbed some fans the wrong way over the years, there is not a one that doesn't give him full props for racing on his own dime, competing at the top level and, after this, attaining legendary bad ass status. The only way it could have been any better is if he'd popped up right away. Guess he had to wait for his heart to move back down out of his throat!
For anyone who doesn't know, you've got one of the all time tracks in your back yard, internationally known and thought of as a top track; 2011 Dirt Bike Racing Schedule
Go catch a race some time, even local or open races. In the annual AMA National race at Budds June 18 just past, Reed went 3-1 in the two moto's and took the win. So much for being done at the top.
You might not see a legendary crash but, regardless of class or level, you will see athleticism, courage, stamina and the amazing spectacle that is dirt bike racing.
#22 is Chad Reed, an Aussie, and long time top tier racer both in super cross and outdoors. Some people like him, some don't. Until this year.
He is seen by major sponsors, at 29, as perhaps on the downside of his career in a game that is ruthless, unforgiving and typically pretty brief for anyone with mid-late 20's being the end of the line for most. This having recently won the outdoor title in 2009 (clinching it, incidentally, at Budds Creek). That said, in a better economy, he probably would have gotten a solid 'ride' from somebody big.
So, what did Reed do this year? Sponsor himself. He finished second by 4 points in SX and is in the hunt for the title in MX, aka, 'the outdoor nationals'.
He also lost a closer friend and fellow pro, Andy McFarlane, about a year ago in a practice lap crash.
Andrew McFarlane (motocross racer) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In a sport filled with spectacular crashes, some guys get up from and some they don't, this crash might be number one all time, especially because he got back on and finished the moto, saving valuable points.
Having rubbed some fans the wrong way over the years, there is not a one that doesn't give him full props for racing on his own dime, competing at the top level and, after this, attaining legendary bad ass status. The only way it could have been any better is if he'd popped up right away. Guess he had to wait for his heart to move back down out of his throat!
For anyone who doesn't know, you've got one of the all time tracks in your back yard, internationally known and thought of as a top track; 2011 Dirt Bike Racing Schedule
Go catch a race some time, even local or open races. In the annual AMA National race at Budds June 18 just past, Reed went 3-1 in the two moto's and took the win. So much for being done at the top.
You might not see a legendary crash but, regardless of class or level, you will see athleticism, courage, stamina and the amazing spectacle that is dirt bike racing.
