Livingston, CA. (April 10, 2017)–The 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Team was back in action and ready to send it at the Seattle Supercross after a mid-season break for the 250 West Supercross riders. Hayden Mellross and Spokane, Washington native Noah McConahy served as the two team riders as Tyler Bowers is still recovering from a fractured femur.
Mother Nature played her part as ominous clouds loomed overhead for most of the week leading up to the event. A rain schedule shortened the day’s practice which allowed the riders only one ten-minute qualifying session.
The #64 of Mellross lined up for Heat #1 and showed no signs of slowing down after the mid-season break. The Twisted Development-tuned engine rocketed off the gate and into position with the leaders. Hayden adapted quickly to the cold and gloomy conditions showing his speed in the opening race as he crossed the line in 4th place, securing his place in the main event.
After appearing on SX Live in front of fans and family, hometown hero Noah McConahy was amped up and ready for Heat #2. A solid start and a natural eye for the soft soil put Noah up towards the front but he crashed on the last lap and had to charge forward to regain positions. McConahy would advance directly through his heat and the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha team would once again see two riders in the main event.
Both of the 51FIFTY riders had decent starts after the gate dropped for the 250 main. However, a downed rider in one of the technical rhythm sections would collect Noah McConahy and lead to a red flag of the race. Noah would suffer a fractured L5 vertebrea and was taken to a local hospital where he underwent successful surgery on Sunday. As of Sunday night, Noah was already targeting his race of return and with his family by his side at the hospital, was in good spirits. The team wishes Noah a speedy recovery and want to thank all the well-wishers who reached out to various team staff with concerns and positive messages.
Mellross would line back up after the full restart but was mired in the back of the back after the first turn. Perhaps one of his best laps of the season, Hayden passed groups of riders as he came up through the pack. The laps wore on with a deteriorating track but Mellross would continue to solidify his position as a top dog in the 250 West division. When the checkered flag flew, he crossed the line with a career best 7th place finish.
“It’s great to have a result like that tonight,” Mellross mentioned in a post-race interview. “The track was tough, but I upped my riding and training during the break and it’s really paying off. I’m bummed to see Noah go down and am hoping the best for him while he’s recovering.”
The season takes a short break for Easter but will be ready for Salt Lake City on April 22. The 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Team is hopeful to have Tyler Bowers back in action alongside Mellross.
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