Australia’s Chad Reed is adamant that he needs to continue making progress in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship despite taking win number three of four rounds at Budds Creek on the weekend.

TwoTwo Motorsports Bel-Ray Racing’s Reed raced to third in moto one before continuing his sweep of second moto wins for 2011 later in the afternoon – his fifth moto win of the season.

Despite taking the holeshot in moto one, Reed dropped back to fourth before passing Mike Alessi for third, acknowledging he struggled all race to find his rhythm.

Another good start in the second moto saw Reed go straight on the attack, passing Kevin Windham and Ryan Dungey early on the opening lap. Reed tussled with Alessi for the race lead before making the pass on lap four of the race.

Even though Reed won the overall, he’s not letting up in a bid to become even better as the season progresses.

“I really wasn’t myself this weekend,” Reed said. “I struggled through practice and qualifying, then rode a horrible first race. I felt like had no rhythm at all. The harder I tried the worse it got. I was picking the wrong lines and hitting the corners with too much speed.

“Fortunately I was able to get it together for race two and take home the win. I wouldn’t say my riding was perfect, far from it, but it was a whole lot better than race one and I was happy to race a solid 17 laps.

“I need to hit my marks in all races I can’t give these guys anything or they will get away. I am proud that we have not lost a second moto this year but I need to work on these opening races,” Reed concluded.

Today’s victory sees Reed maintain his 15-point lead in the 450cc ranks.

The fifth round of the 2011 Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship will take place at the Thunder Valley National in Colorado this weekend.