51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha - Oakland Race Report

51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha

Oakland Race Report /Career Best 9th For McConahy

Livingston, CA. (February 6, 2017)- Noah McConahy flew the flag this weekend for the 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Team as both Tyler Bowers and Hayden Mellross were sidelined with injury.

Mother Nature played her part as light showers sprinkled the already damp track. A soft, technical layout made for tough conditions in the opening qualifying sessions and the situation wasn't any easier for Noah with only two (2) prior rides on the YZ250F. Tyler Bowers was on hand during the day and was a positive voice for Noah, along with Team Manager Craig Monty, studying film and track lines.

The #59 Yamaha lined up for heat #1, kicking off the action for the night. Dunlop Tires gave Noah some much needed traction off the line and into the first turn. He ran a consistent 5th place in much of the heat race, battling riders and ruts throughout the entirety of the track. McConahy crossed the line in 6th place and secured his direct spot/transfer into the main. 

With Noah's momentum building throughout the day, the newest member of the 51FIFTY team was ready to shine in the night show. A good jump out of the gate set him up for some quick passes until a massive pile up formed in the second turn. McConahy looked for a way out but was stuck in the chaos as riders crashed around him. Eventually, he worked his way out of the pack and began his ascent through the field.  A tall order, from back in 19th, but he picked off riders in quick succession. Noah improved his speed and positions as the track deteriorated and when the checkered flag flew, McConahy crossed the line for his career best finish in 9th place.

"Everything with the bike and the team has been spot on," mentioned Noah after the race. "I've been improving every time I'm on the bike and the team has helped every step of the way.  I struggled in the qualifiers but we stayed optimistic and focused on the Main.  From far back in the pack, it was one of those races when I just concentrated on the next rider in front of me and did whatever I could to move forward. I'm ecstatic to land a career best in my first ride with 51FIFTY and I only expect to improve from here." 

The 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Team will have two riders next weekend in Dallas as Hayden Mellross will return to action alongside the #59 of Noah McConahy. 

51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha is aided by support of our great sponsors including Yamaha, Allied Packaging, Carlos Vieira Racing, bLU cRU, Bolt Hardware, Costa Rica Unlimited, Cometic Gaskets, Company West, Cycra, Crank Works, DeCal Works, Dunlop, DT1, Evans Cooling, Fox, FMF, Galfer, Hinson Clutch Components, Hot Cams, IMS Products, Matrix, Mechanix Wear, ODI, Pivot Works, Powerlift, Push Marketing Agency, Race for Autism, RK Excel, SDI, Sunstar, Shift, TM Designworks, Twisted Development, Works Connection, Vertex Pistons, Vortex Ignitions, VP Fuels, and Xtrig