Reed was a partner with
Motorcycle Hall of Famer Shell Thuet in the 1970s. Reed and Thuet built and
maintained the factory Yamaha’s a young Kenny Roberts rode to victory in the
AMA Grand National Championship in 1973 and 1974. He was shown in the movie
‘On Any Sunday’, picking up Keith Mashburn’s bike in a turn after a crash.
"He was truly a staunch supporter of flat track for many
years," said Hall of Famer Hank Scott. "He helped so many of the top riders
when they were coming up including myself, my brother Gary, Kenny and many
others. He really loved motorcycle racing and the people involved in the
sport."
In addition to the aforementioned
riders Reed also tuned for Keith Mashburn, Gene Romero, Don Castro, Wayne
Rainey and Eddie Lawson.
Reed went on to found Gear Engineering, which manufactured
many parts for all types of racing. The company lives on under the guidance
of Reed’s partner David Van Norman. A special celebration of Reed’s life is
soon to be announced. According to Van Norman it will be by invitation.
AMA Pro Racing wishes to pass along our condolences to
Reed’s family and all those associated with him in racing.
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