...With another podium finish

From a press release issued by Fluid Public Relations...

Defending World/AMA Supercross Champion, Chad Reed has retained the Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship lead and remains the only rider to have stood on the dais at every round of the 2009 series after finishing second at New Orleans’ Louisiana Superdome tonight
 
Reed, who took victory in the previous two rounds, won his heat race comfortably before going head-to-head with rival James Stewart in the 20-lap ‘Main Event’.  The Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider got a great start and settled in behind Stewart as they hit the first turn. Reed then piled on the pressure and fought hard to find a way around his nemesis over the next ten laps.

Lapped traffic became a problem for Reed in the second half of the race when he lost time as he weaved his way past 13 of his competitors. The reigning champion keeping his podium record intact as he settled for second place.
 
“I struggled with passing the lappers tonight,” said Reed. “I tried to be patient and just didn’t make quick enough choices when I was coming through.
 
“For the first few laps I really felt like I had James (Stewart) but he stepped it up coming through the lapped traffic and didn’t hesitate at all.
 
“I just want to get out in front and ride a good solid race as I know I can beat him and it is my goal to prove that over the next couple of races,” Reed admitted.
 
The Australian, who turned 27 today, raced in front of family for the first time in nine years after wife Ellie surprised him by flying his parents, siblings and relatives over for the occasion.
 
While Reed retains an eight point lead in the championship he will have little time to reflect before he begins preparing for the next installment in the 17 round series which will be contested on Saturday  March 21 on track designed by action sports megastar Travis Pastrana.