American Honda Racing team manager Erik Kehoe has applauded Australian Chad Reed’s performance as a privateer since forming his very own TwoTwo Motorsports operation in the 2011 Monster Energy AMA Supercross, an FIM World Championship.

Reed launched his own team using a Pro Circuit-equipped Honda CRF450R with minimal factory support, remaining right in title contention with just two rounds remaining.

A victory at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium has been the highlight of Reed’s season, now sitting just six points in arrears of former Kawasaki teammate Ryan Villopoto heading into this weekend’s penultimate round at Salt Lake in Utah.

With both factory Honda riders, Trey Canard and Josh Grant, ruled out through injury, Kehoe credited Reed as Honda’s great hope heading into the final two rounds of 2011.

“The TwoTwo Motorsports team has done an awesome job all season long,” former racer Kehoe said. “Chad has done a great job putting together a highly talented team to support his 2011 racing efforts.

“We would love to see Chad win the Supercross title in his first season on a Honda. It’s also great to see the GEICO Honda team having such a strong season. We wish all these guys good luck in the final rounds.”

While Reed and the TwoTwo Motorsports team have been constantly progressing in their maiden AMA Supercross season, the former 2009 AMA Motocross Champion isn’t yet confirmed for an outdoor campaign as the team races to secure funding for the effort.

Sources suggest that Honda is offering additional factory support to Reed in the final rounds as he battles for a third Supercross crown.

Round 16 of the Supercross title chase will take place this weekend at Salt Lake in Utah.