Chad Reed Penalized After St. Louis Supercross Controversy
Kit Palmer | April 3, 2017
Chad Reed Penalized After St. Louis Supercross Controversy – Team Monster Energy Yamaha’s Chad Reed created a bit of an uproar at the St. Louis Supercross, Saturday, April 1, when he chose not to heed the waving blue flags from AMA officials in the 450SX main while running in 16th place and being lapped by the leaders, primarily Ryan Dungey, who was running second and battling Eli Tomac for the lead. Reed gave way to Tomac but did not move over for Dungey, obviously impeding his progress for a few laps. To make matters worse, Tomac and Dungey are also battling for the 2017 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, so the move by Reed did not sit very well with Dungey, nor did it with the AMA, which announced that it is penalizing Reed championship points and is also fining him $5000.
Chad Reed Penalized After St. Louis Supercross Controversy
The AMA issued the following release, Monday afternoon, April 3:
Decision of the Race Director,
St Louis Supercross
On April 1, 2017, during the 450SX main event, while being lapped by the 2nd place rider, 16th place rider #22 Chad Reed failed to follow the direction of the AMA officials indicated by the blue flag. In doing so, rider #22 did impede the faster rider’s progress. This is a violation of rule 4.17.a
4.17 Flags and Lights
It is the rider’s responsibility to be aware of their surroundings at all times while on track. Safety is a main priority and the riders must obey all official signals and directions given to them. Any rider failing to do so may be penalized.
- Solid Blue Flag:
- Indicates you are about to be overtaken by faster riders.
- When conditions allow, move out of the fast line.
- Hold your line (do not ride erratically) and do not impede the faster riders progress.
- Riders disregarding the blue flag may be black-flagged at the discretion of Race Director.
The decision of the Race Director is to impose a fine of $5,000.00 and the loss of five Championship points earned in the race. All fines collected are donated to the Alpinestar Mobile Medical Unit.
No appeal has been presented; the decision of the Race Director is final.
Chad Reed Penalized After St. Louis Supercross Controversy