Australia’s Chad Reed is eagerly awaiting the opening round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown, Sacramento (CA), this weekend where he will kick off defence of his 2009 450cc class title.

Now mounted aboard a Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F, Reed feels a solid period of preparation for the outdoors riding style has him in good stead for the 12-round series.

His 2010 campaign begins in complete contrast to 2009. Just weeks before the season began, the then 27-year-old made the decision to contest the motocross series.

He defied the doubters by winning five overall rounds and secured the series spoils with an incredible four rounds still to run.

An injury early in the piece during this year’s Supercross season allowed Reed to refocus on the outdoors challenge, working on his health and fitness while training on a purpose-built motocross track on his Florida property.

Reed remains adamant that wearing the No.1 plate on his bike places no extra pressure on him to win a second consecutive title.

“I’m really excited about getting back into riding this weekend and getting a good result in the books to start the new season,” said Reed.

“Seeing my bike with that No.1 plate was a proud moment for me but a good reminder that there is lots of work to do to keep it there. I’ve always had a target on my back so there is no more pressure than usual from the field.

“While not being in the running for a Supercross title I have invested all of my time and effort into my outdoors campaign, and feel like I have learnt a lot in the past few months.

“It’s certainly a different feeling to last year where I came in without a motocross win. A lot has changed in the past 12 months but the goal is still the same – win.

“I’m excited to see how our pre-season test form pans out in a race situation, the team has worked incredibly hard to be ready and I’m certain that the Kawasaki will be competitive.”

The 2010 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship begins this weekend and visits a number of the United States’ most iconic motocross tracks before concluding on September 11.

The 450cc class field will contest two 35-minute motos each event following preliminary practice and qualifying sessions.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com