Cory Reed, an experienced motocross and Pro Stock Motorcycle racer, is making a significant career change as he transitions into the Pro Stock car category. This move marks a new chapter in Reed’s racing journey, as he last competed in Pro Stock Motorcycle in 2023.
The decision to switch from two wheels to four was deeply rooted in family support and practical considerations. Reed explained, “My family bought in with KB Titan. That’s pretty much the start of it. We moved our motorcycle program into those doors with the KB guys. We were at Gainesville with Joey’s [Gladstone] bike, getting my bike ready, about to sink a ton of time, effort, and money into this motorcycle stuff.”
It was during this period of preparation that Reed’s father, Jim Whiteley posed a pivotal question: “Do you really want to do this again? Do you really want to build a whole engine program? Do you really want to restart again?”
His father’s suggestion to “hop in a car” instead of rebuilding his Pro Stock Motorcycle program resonated with Reed. He realized that Pro Stock offered more opportunities for him, especially one to work with a class legend.
“I’ve watched Greg Anderson and Jason Line and the Summit Cars and the KB guys since I was eight years old,” Reed reminisced. “I’m just lucky to be where I’m at. I’ve made a handful of burnouts before I went and actually fully tested. Then we went and made 16 laps in two days, and I got my license at Rockingham Dragway.”
Reed’s racing history is marked by his debut in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class in 2015 and a severe crash in 2021 that he still feels the effects of. The crash, considered one of the worst in Pro Stock Motorcycle racing, occurred during the second-round eliminations at the DeWalt NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Concord, North Carolina. Reed collided with his teammate Joey Gladstone, resulting in a compound fracture of his left leg above the ankle and a broken shoulder.
Even though this is Reed’s first time in a door car after enjoying nine years competing on two wheels, he is excited about the future.
Reed is set to make his Pro Stock debut at the 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals, taking place from July 19-21. His best friend and fellow Pro Stock racer, Joey Gladstone, will be working closely with him in this new venture. Reed’s Pro Stock car will be backed by J&A Service.
This story was originally published on July 12, 2024. 
