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Chad Reed Earns Back-To-Back Daytona Supercross By Honda Victories
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (March 11, 2005) – Chad Reed pulled off back-to-back victories under the lights at historic Daytona International Speedway winning the 35th Daytona Supercross By Honda.
Reed, a native of Australia and rider of the No. 22 Yamaha, battled four-time Daytona Supercross By Honda champion Ricky Carmichael for most of the race before the Suzuki rider rode off the course in the late stages of the event.
Carmichael, a native of Havana, Fla., was poised to make history as he was shooting for his record fifth Daytona Supercross By Honda but was forced to settle with a second-place finish.
“It feels good,” said Reed, who had a margin of victory of 34.002 seconds. “We were able to win last year and a lot of people questioned whether I could do it with (Ricky) here or not. The track was a little different this year but we were still able to get it done and that's important to me. This is a great race and a lot of people respect it so I feel good about this one.”
“It’s a shame,” said Carmichael, who sat out last year’s Daytona Supercross By Honda while recovering from off-season knee surgery. “I’ve got a couple more years. I think I can sneak one out. I just love racing. Daytona is fun track for me. That’s why I’m going to keep coming back. I really love this event.”
Mike LaRocco aboard a Honda rounded out the podium.
In the 125 class, Josh Hansen and Josh Grant put on a furious battle for the victory with Hansen coming out on top.
On the final lap of the 15-lap event, the pair of riders battled side-by-side when they crashed. Both riders climbed back aboard their machines and Hansen was able to pull away to secure a 2.134-second victory.
“It was either do or die,” Hansen said. “Josh wasn’t going to give it up and neither was I.”
Hansen, the son of former AMA Supercross champion Donnie Hansen, finished third in last year’s 125 class event at Daytona International Speedway and was thrilled to come out on top.
“My dad wasn’t able to win this race and I’m glad I was,” Hansen said.
Hansen’s victory propels him into the points lead in the 125 East class.
Troy Adams rounded out the podium.
“What better way to start off podiums than a place that’s two hours from my house,” Adams said.
Next up at Daytona International Speedway is Saturday’s AMA Superbike Championship and the 64th Daytona 200 By Honda. Tickets are available at the gate or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
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