Chad Reed has taken the points lead in the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross championship thanks to a second place run in Round 12 in Toronto, Canada.
The Australian is now three points clear of former leader Ryan Vilopoto, who had a tough run at the Rangers Centre to come home ninth on his Kawasaki.
The change marks the first time that Reed has led the championship standings with his own team, TwoTwo Motorsports.
Reed, who was unable to find a way past race winner Ryan Dungey during the race, acknowledged he made a few errors across the 20 laps.
“I am pumped to come away with the points lead but I can’t get too carried away. I still have a bit of work to do,” said Reed.
“I need to quit making mistakes, these guys are to on it for that. Ryan (Dungey) rode a great race, he was faster in the whoops and turns. It took everything I had to try and pressure him into making a mistake.
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“The industry decided not to give me a chance this season.
“I want to win this championship so bad. It would be a bittersweet speech for sure.”
With just five rounds remaining Reed and his TwoTwo Motorsports team will step-up their preparations ahead of next weekends event at Cowboys Stadium in Texas.
Monster Energy AMA Supercross: Toronto
1. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki
2. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda
3. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha
5. Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha
6. Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha
7. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM
8. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda
9. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki
10.Cole Seely, Newbury Park, Calif., Honda
Monster Energy AMA Supercross Standings after round 12 of 17
1. Chad Reed, Tampa, Fla., Honda – 236
2. Ryan Villopoto, Poulsbo, Wash., Kawasaki – 233
3. Ryan Dungey, Belle Plaine, Minn., Suzuki – 228
4. James Stewart, Haines City, Fla., Yamaha – 216
5. Trey Canard, Shawnee, Okla., Honda – 214
6. Andrew Short, Smithville, Texas, KTM – 159
7. Justin Brayton, Cornelius, N.C, Yamaha – 137
8. Kevin Windham, Centreville, Miss., Honda – 134
9. Davi Millsaps, Carlsbad, Calif., Yamaha – 128
10.Nick Wey, Dewitt, Mich., Yamaha – 109
