Despite not reaching a desired result, a top 10 finish at Oakland’s fourth round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship has injected confidence into Australia’s Chad Reed.

Finishing fourth in his 450SX heat race, Reed navigated his way through the field in the main before his charge was halted just laps into the outing when he landed on Aaron Plessinger’s (Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing) downed YZ450F at the based of the challenging wall jump, forcing him to regain lost time.

The JGRMX Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing rider fought back to ninth in an inspiring ride, allowing him to confirm his set-up aboard the RM-Z450.

“I really liked the Oakland track layout, there were nice whoops and ruts,” Reed explained. “Unfortunately, I again struggled with one-lap speed, but I felt like I would be okay for the heat race and main event. I had a decent start in the heat race and finished fourth.

“I was really enjoying the main event and began to find a rhythm. I was going to try and make some moves forward, then I landed on Plessinger’s bike when he crashed in a blind spot. I fought back to ninth. I’m entering a new week with confidence.

“I have the pieces, but I need to start out the day better and carry that into the night show. We’re heading to one of my favourite races of the series this weekend. San Diego has always been a solid hunting ground for me.”

The main event was ultimately won by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb, marking his second victory in as many weeks while granting him the points lead in the process.