51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Seattle Race Report

Courtesy of 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha

April 9, 2018 – Livingston, CA – The 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha Race Team faced the slick Seattle conditions head on and took home two Top-10 finishes in the 250SX class with Kyle Chisholm in 8th and Hayden Mellross in 10th. With these finishes, both riders maintain their positions in the Top-10 overall point standings.

Both 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha team riders faced a slippery and sticky track in Heat 2. The less-than-ideal conditions made it tough on the entire field as the track changed nearly every lap. Mellross rode smart in the and minimized his mistakes, eventually crossing the line in the 8th transfer position. The mud would claim Chisholm who was in 4th place and his bike early on forcing him into the LCQ.

The team mechanics had their work cut out for them as they had to clean the mud from the #11 YZ250F and replace a complete clutch assembly under a huge time crunch. The crew worked just as hard as the racers on Saturday, and we applaud them for their efforts.

Chisholm made the best of the 250 LCQ, using his veteran experience to choose the smoothest lines on the track. He rode a smart and consistent race and transferred to the main event in 3rd place.

The relentless conditions continued for the 250 Main Event but it was go time none the less. Mellross and Chisholm used their Dunlop Tires for maximum traction in the sloppy mud and managed to come out towards the front. Both riders were making passes on the treacherous track but the race length was cut short and reduced their time to move forward in the field. 

At the line, it was Chisholm 8th, Mellross 10th.

“What a crazy night of racing,” Chisholm said after the race. “It was pretty stressful only getting to see the track one time before the night show, but we had to make it happen from the get-go. I was moving up in the heat but had a small mechanical which the team was able to fix in time. We qualified and once again I felt like I was moving forward but the main was cut short. I felt like I had another position or two in me, but in conditions like this I’m happy to come out in one piece.“

“After everything that happened today I’m glad to come out with a Top 10,” said Mellross. “I dislocated my shoulder a week ago and have been working really hard to get the mobility back in it. Tonight was a good test on it as these conditions really work your physical and mental fitness. The bikes held up well all night and despite the muddy track, we were able to hang with some of the factory guys. I’m ready for another week of training and hopefully better conditions at the next one.“

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 Filters, Evans Cooling, FMF, Galfer, GYTR, Hinson Clutch Components, Hot Cams, IMS Products, Matrix, Motion Pro, ODI, PDA Beef Jerky, Pivot Works, Push Marketing Agency, RK Excel, SDI, Sunstar, TM Designworks, Twisted Development, Works Connection, Vertex Pistons, Vortex Ignitions, VP Fuels, Yamalube and Xtrig

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