We have a unique situation in Monster Energy AMA Supercross right now in that neither of the reigning champions is very popular. We’re entering the third round at Anaheim 2 and already there are high tensions and hot tempers. 

Chad Reed certainly has superstar status of a sort, but the Rockstar Makita Suzuki rider is no lovable Ricky Carmichael or Jeremy McGrath. With both his 450 titles coming when the main competition was out with injury, many feel that Reedy weaseled his championships rather than earning them. Combine that with his penchant for speaking (almost) freely and not afraid to bang around, Reed is always a favorite target for people looking to blame and point fingers.

Lawrence, on the other hand, doesn’t have nearly the fan support of the Aussie. When comments swirl around J-Law, the argument doesn’t focus so much on whether or not he deserves his 2008 Lites title, but whether or not he deserves to even participate. There’s a noticeable bias towards him being a bumbling jackass who damages the sport rather than legitimate champion who needs to be on the track. This is what happens when you take for granted your factory-supported ride and piss on the sponsors. Anyone surprised?

However, both of these guys really are champs. Regardless of who got injured, who took out who or who has the turd bike, Reed and Lawrence earned the #1 plate in the most competitive off-road racing series in the world. It’s true that their methods are controversial, and even I have to curb my own opinions. Like you, I regularly jump off the couch and scream profanities at the TV, but there’s no denying that having these personalities brings a level of interest and extra flavor to our sport.