Already a superstar on two wheels, American motocross champion Chad Reed has announced he will return home to Australia to race V8 Supercars.

The 28-year-old from Kurri-Kurri, on the New South Wales Central Coast, has said that he will join Australia’s top motorsport series when his current contract with Kawasaki expires in 2011.

“I have tested with Team Vodafone and it is certainly an ambition of mine to drive again,” Reed said.

“I have given a lot of thought to coming back and it could be something I do in the next couple of years. I would have to do it properly, which would mean coming through the development series.”

Reed is currently back in Australia for the Monster Energy Super X series, which he wrapped up at the final round in Brisbane on Saturday night.

He tested the Team Vodafone Falcon in 2007 and according to current V8 Supercar Series leader Jamie Whincup, will be a natural behind the wheel.

“He has the talent to do it. Chad is a racer. Give him enough time in any vehicle and he will be a success. At the end of the day you learn how to control the throttle, the break and learn about grip and rubber.

“It is the same for a bike or car. Once you have that skill all you need is time. The best will be the best.”

Reed is Australia’s third highest earning sports star, behind golf’s Greg Norman and football’s Harry Kewell. The 2008 BRW report on the Top 50 Sports Earners claimed Reed was worth $8.7million a year.

Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com