Reed Says He’s Set for Anaheim

After missing the first two rounds of the THQ world supercross series because of a dislocated shoulder, defending champion Chad Reed will return tonight when the U.S. portion of the series opens at Angel Stadium.

Another sellout crowd, in keeping with previous years in Anaheim, is expected for the popular stadium version of motocross. Most of the world’s finest riders will be on the starting line for the 20-lap main event over a treacherous manufactured obstacle course created on the Angels’ baseball diamond. The program will go on, rain or shine, beginning at 7.

Reed, an Australian who lives in Menifee, closed the 2002 season by winning the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, but last month he aggravated an old injury while playing pool. That caused him to miss races in Spain and Holland and to curtail training until two weeks ago. Although Reed says he is ready, race followers expect him to tire from the pounding he and his Yamaha will take in negotiating the whoops, a series of small stutter-bumps, close together, similar to moguls in the snow.

With three-time AMA national champion Ricky Carmichael out for the season because of a knee injury, and Reed probably not more than 75% ready, tonight’s event and the season series is wide open.

South African Grant Langston, who rides a KTM, won the world 125cc motocross title in 2000 and the East regional outdoor 125 crown last season. This season, as a 250cc rider, he is leading in world supercross points. He finished second and fourth in the European races and holds a six-point lead over Suzuki-rider Tyler Evans.

With Carmichael sidelined, Honda is counting on factory rider Ernesto Fonseca of Costa Rica and independent riders Kevin Windham and Mike LaRocco to win its third consecutive title. Windham returned to racing after a year’s absence to finish second to Carmichael in the 250cc outdoor series last season. He was the only rider to upset the champion, winning at New Berlin, N.Y., and Washougal, Wash.