When Chad Reed returned to the outdoor nationals for the first time since 2006, he had just one reason: to win the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Reed is one of the most successful riders in AMA history, boasting a pair of Monster Energy Supercross titles and the distinction of being one of the most consistent riders to ever compete. However, the Australian rider's success indoors never quite translated to the outdoors and for the last two seasons, Reed has sat on the sidelines.
2009 was different for Reed in every sense of the word; a new team in Rockstar/Makita/Suzuki, a new mechanic in Mike Gosselaar and a new outlook on his career. After a tremendous Supercross season that went down to the wire, Reed decided he wanted to continue racing and make his career complete by going after the outdoor championship. He joined the series at the 11th hour and never looked back, capturing five wins, 10 moto victories and posting an average finish of 4.9 en route to the 450 Class title.
Throughout his career, Reed has been a part of the Thor Motocross family and to honor their international star, the sport's leading riding apparel brand awarded him with a state-of-the-art, custom jet ski at his home in Tampa, Fla.
Fresh off capturing the championship that eluded him for so many years two rounds early at Budds Creek, Reed returned to the Sunshine State greeted with a one of a kind black and white jet ski, adorned with the Thor shield and his infamous #22. The newly-crowned champ wasted no time in breaking in his new toy, heading to the lake for some fun in the water.
(Courtesy Thor MX)
(Courtesy Kinney Jones)
(Courtesy Kinney Jones)
(Courtesy Kinney Jones)
At the series finale from Steel City, Thor hosted a season-ending dinner on the eve of the last race of the 2009 season. Reed was the guest of honor as members, friends and family of Thor and Parts Unlimited gathered to share memories of the season, bench race and give Reed their congratulations.
To show its gratitude for Reed's on-track commitment to returning to the outdoor nationals, Thor presented Reed with a custom painted Force helmet, featuring a gold #1 that he would wear throughout each moto on Saturday during his first opportunity to showcase the number he worked throughout the summer to earn.
Friday evening's festivities put the finishing touches on an outstanding 2009 season for the Thor and Parts Unlimited family. In total, the Thor/Parts Unlimited team captured a pair of championships with Reed's outdoor crown and Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki's Christophe Pourcel East Region Supercross Lites title. Additionally, its eight riders compiled 28 wins and an astonishing 71 podium finishes across both classes throughout the 29 supercross and motocross races.
About Parts Unlimited
Parts Unlimited is the world's largest distributor of aftermarket accessories in the powersports industry and is owned by LeMans Corporation headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin. Parts Unlimited sells to over 12,000 dealerships world wide and continues to expand its market penetration with its sister companies, Parts Canada, Parts Europe and Drag Specialties.
Parts Unlimited continues to promote racing through its campaign WE SUPPORT THE SPORT, helping to drive consumers to dealerships, while entertaining its dealers through hospitalities at the events it sponsors.
About Thor Motocross
Thor is one of the originators of motocross apparel. When Torsten Hallman made his first U.S trip to race and promote motocross in 1966, he inadvertently started to develop Thor riding gear. Thor is a hardcore, grass roots company that understands what it takes to reach the top and more importantly, how to stay there. It is one of a few companies with over 40 years experience in the motocross marketplace.
Thor, a house brand company for Parts Unlimited, combines design and marketing with superior distribution to reach it's thousands of dealers and consumers priding ourselves on key selling features like quality, strength and performance. Thor is more than a brand. It is a lifestyle.