Chad Reed Letter to his Fans 4

To My Fans and Supporters:


I have spent most of the last month in and out of my doctor’s office
getting tests done, trying to figure out what is going on. Each weekend
I head to the race excited to get out there and get some wins on my
Monster Energy Kawasaki, ready to defend the number 1 plate that is on
my bike, knowing that I have worked hard during the week, on and off
the bike. The team and bike are prepped and ready on race day and then
I'm unable to race like I normally can. Where is that fight that I
normally have?


For most of this outdoor season I have been frustrated and questioning
every part of my program, wondering why I am unable to race to my full
potential. It's tough knowing you're better than what your performance
and results show. It's embarrassing riding with the #1 plate on and not
battling at the front! I don't take it lightly and I knew I had to get
to the bottom of my issues.


Many people have commented that it's due to my role as a new dad, but
that's not it. Tate makes me want to race harder. I want my son to be
proud of me and I want to teach him that by working hard you can
achieve your dreams. My friend Andrew McFarlane passing was another
reason that I may not be riding to my full potential. That I'm keeping
it safe. That's not it either. I have always rode within my safety zone
and I know Andrew is up there pumping me up to get some holeshots and
win some races like he always did. These two reasons alone make me want
to race harder and give it everything I have, to be an example of hard
work to my son, to live life to the full and be thankful for doing what
I love to do and that is race a motorcycle! I'm not ready for
retirement; I want a few more championships indoors and out!


So finally with all that said, I got my results back from the doctor. I
have Epstein Barr virus. I know some other riders have had it and I
never thought I would be sitting here saying the same thing. It
explained my fatigue issues on the track. I knew it wasn't my fitness,
but I was struggling to finish motos. It just got to a point where it
was dangerous for me to be out there. My doctor, team and I have
decided that I need to be off the bike for a while to try get this
handled. I am really disappointed to be out again. This year has been a
personal worst for me. I have often been referred to as "Mr.
Consistent" but this year has been far from that.


I want to apologize to my fans for not being able to race for you and I
want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and
sticking by the 22 this year. From the worst times come the best times.
And I will be working hard to kick this illness so I can get back on
track and winning races as soon as possible.

-Chad