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HAYDEN MELLROSS
250 SX / A2
IMAGE / MPG WORDS / KILPATRICK DESIGN / WILSON
>> Hayden Mellross carried his consistent top ten speed from the first two rounds back to Anaheim as he came out of quali- fying practice with the twelfth fastest lap time. The Australian born rider was seeded into the first heat race and immediately jumped out to a good start once the gate dropped, commencing racing action for the evening. He attempted to keep the pace
of the Pro Circuit Kawasaki of Hill in front of him, but instead ended up battling with his 51Fifty Energy Yamaha teammate, Tyler Bowers. Mellross was able to hold off the four time AX Champion for the first couple of laps, but eventually fell victim to a cheeky pass by Bowers as he squared him up after the first set of whoops. The Australian would latch onto the blue rear fender of his teammate for the remaining laps and eventu- ally cross the line in fifth position, just ahead of the Husqvarna ride of Josh Hansen. Mellross showed promising speed that would project him to battle within the top ten for the main event, but could he put it together for the full fifteen minutes plus one lap? Unfortunately he didn’t get the chance to prove it to him- self or the fans as he was involved in a first turn incident with the Geico Honda of Jeremy Martin and the JGR Suzuki of Phil Nicoletti. Mellross chose not to re-enter the fray as his bike was too badly damaged to continue. He will be coming back with a vengeance when the series heads to Glendale this weekend, looking to put his 51Fifty Energy Yamaha in the top ten for the second time this season.
144 GRITMOTO • JANUARY 22, 2017