Reed to replace Whincup at Race of Champions - Motorbikes Reviews, News & Advice

Australia's supercross and motocross supremo Chad Reed will replace defending V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup in the prestigious Race of Champions in Beijing this week.

Whincup has elected to sit out the event -- which brings together the world's best racers from rallying and racing, on two wheels and four -- after a recent horror weekend at Surfers Paradise, with Reed delighted to fill the void.

"I'm more than happy to step in for Jamie who made the decision to remove himself from the event after a very tough weekend," said Reed, who is currently competing in the 2009 Super X title. "Motorsport can bring you the highest of highs but the lows are crushing - I've been in that position myself and I know what he is going through.

"We've been friends for a few years now and thankfully l was the position to be able to step in for him.

"I love nothing more than flying the Aussie flag and I am really looking forward to teaming up with Mick (Doohan)."

The Race of Champions will consist of a teams' component tomorrow, followed by the battle for individual honours on Wednesday.

In the ROC Nations Cup, Reed and Doohan will take on the likes of defending champion Germany (Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel), Finland (Marcus Gronholm and Mikko Hirvonen, Great Britain (Jenson Button and Andy Priaulx), the All Stars (David Coulthard and Giniel de Villers) and America (Travis Pastrana and Tanner Foust).

Last year's individual champion was rally star Sebastien Loeb.

The 2009 event will be held at The Bird's Nest Olympic stadium on a purpose-built asphalt circuit with two parallel tracks and a cross-over point.