![Noah McConahy to 51FIFTY Yamaha [Update]](http://rxi.iscdn.net/2017/02/138509_privateer_sx17_glendale_jk_0993.jpg)
In a team statement earlier this week, 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha said they would seek one, possibly two, fill-in riders for round five of Monster Energy Supercross in Oakland this weekend, as both Hayden Mellross (hand) and Tyler Bowers (femur) missed Glendale.
It appears the team has tabbed Washington native Noah McConahy to fill-in beginning this weekend in Oakland.
Yesterday, McConahy posted a video of himself riding the bike on his Instagram page with the caption: "Day #2 Couldn't be more stoked for the opportunity! @51fiftyenergy @yamahamotorusa@foxracing”
McConahy has posted back-to-back 13th place finishes in the 250SX West Region after missing the main event at the first two races. He was riding a Husqvarna until now.
According to the AMA pre-entry list for Oakland this weekend, McConahy is listed as riding for 51FIFTY Energy Drink Yamaha.
Mellross is also on the entry list, as is Bowers, as most teams sign-up their riders for the entire season. The team has yet to release an official statement, but we’ll provide an update on Mellross’ status for this Saturday as we find out more information.
[Update: Feb. 3]
Yesterday, 51FIFTY Yamaha confirmed that McConahy has joined the team as a fill-in rider. As we reported yesterday in Injury Report, Hayden Mellross will miss this weekend due to a hand injury.
Below is the team announcement.
Livingston, CA. - With team riders Hayden Mellross and Tyler Bowers out with injury, 51FIFTY Energy Drink is proud to announce the addition of Noah McConahy (#59) heading into the Oakland Supercross.
With a short week, and coming off a completely different bike, Noah adapted quickly to the YZ250F with only a few days testing with the team. The likable 23 year old racer from Spokane, WA has been on the teams radar for a while and jumped at the chance to join 51FIFTY.
"This is the opportunity I've been working towards," explain Noah. "I'm extremely appreciative and feel with the team, and the race bike I rode this past week, my goal of a Top 10 is within reach. I'm getting a plane tonight, the first time I've flown to a race, and just can't wait to line up in Oakland."
"Noah's finished 13th the last two weeks in a row so he clearly has the speed. He's someone we've watched for a while and knowing his personality and work ethic, we are confident he'll represent our brand and team sponsors as a professional on and off the track," explains Team Manager, Craig Monty. "He's new to the YZ but was putting in fast laps already. Working with Dave Dye as a mechanic, someone he's known for years, should help the transition and be strong combination moving forward."
