Chad Reed to swap his bike for V8

December 7, 2009 MOTOCROSS superstar Chad Reed, one of Australia's greatest sporting exports, is poised to turn his back on an annual $8 million income racing motorbikes in the US to become a V8 Supercars driver.

Reed said yesterday he would return to Australia when his two-year deal with Kawasaki ends in 2011 to join his good mate Jamie Whincup in the V8 Supercars series.

Ranked No. 3 on the list of highest-earning Australian sportsman behind Greg Norman and Harry Kewell, Reed will end his reign as the world's best motocross rider in what will be a major coup for the V8s.

"I have tested with Team Vodafone and it is certainly an ambition of mine to drive again," said Reed, who lives in California.

"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 though, which would mean coming through the development series."

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Only 27, Reed could become one of the top drivers, according to Ford back-to-back champion in waiting Whincup.

"He has spoken a lot about coming back and driving," Whincup said. "And I think 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 a car and once you have that skill, then all you need is time. The best will still be the best."

Reed has been considering the switch since he test drove the Team Vodafone Falcon in 2007. He was on the verge of quitting last year before signing a new two-year deal with dirt bike giant Kawasaki.

Reed, who is worth an estimated $25 million, said he would have no trouble turning his back on another rich US motocross deal.

"I have made my money," he said. "It is not what motivates me. The challenge of doing something new is more important.

"I have done a lot in this sport and by then I might be looking at a new challenge."

Whincup said Reed would be able to help market V8 Supercars in the US, with the sport recently signing a deal with Fox to broadcast all the championship rounds in America.

"He is a superstar over there," Whincup said.

"Chad was pretty impressive when he tested with us. He didn't set lap records but he did a bloody good job."