WORLD Supercross champion Chad Reed will turn his back on $30 million a year in the US to become a V8 Supercar driver.
Reed says he is disillusioned with the sport that has made him Australia’s sixth richest athlete and a mega-star in the US.
The two-time world Supercross champion says he would have no problem throwing away his $7.8 million contract and millions more in endorsements to return to Australia to drive a V8 Supercar.
“It isn’t about money for me,” Reed said. “I have been there and done that. I have made all my money. I can walk away.
“It isn’t what makes me tick. If I was to make it (as a V8 Supercar driver), it would be great.
“I would be giving up a lot of money, but there are also things in Australia that you can’t put a price tag on – having my mum and dad around, my family, my friends and living in my country. All that stuff is priceless.”
Reed revealed he almost quit last year, when it all became “too easy”.
His main rival, James Stewart, was injured, leaving Reed to win a number of rounds “without competition”, going on to win the 2008 championship.
“This time last year I was just over it,” Reed said. “I felt like I had to step away from the sport. I thought motorcycles were over and it was time to move on. But I had one year left on my contract.
“I was really close to quitting. If it wasn’t for my wife and my managers, that would have been it. It wasn’t fun and I have always said the day it isn’t fun is the day I give it away.”
The 26-year-old is already negotiating his return to Australia.
Reed said he was deep negotiations with a with a number of Supercar teams and was hopeful of landing a drive by May next year.
“I want to do it soon,” Reed said. “I would love the opportunity to get into a car as soon as next year. My race season in the US goes October through to May, and beyond that I would love the opportunity to get in a car and learn the ropes.”
Reed said he had been considering a switch since last year when he test drove a V8 Supercar in Brisbane
“Last year, I had an opportunity to spend more time on the track,” Reed said.
“I got a rookie drive. They were amazing. They gave me an unbelievable opportunity.
“My lap times were coming together. Immediately I felt very comfortable. But I think I will have to control my own expectations.”
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Ca a l’air sérieux comme info, il va laisser un sacré vide dans le milieu…
Encore un Grand qui passe à autre chose, après tout, à 26 ans, il a le temps de se lancer dans une nouvelle aventure.
Mais ça fait chier quand même…
La classe et son style vont nous manquer!!
7.9 € TTC
