Archive for category: News

Proven Moto Proud of Team GDR’s CMRC Round 1 Performance!!

Proven Moto is extremely happy to be building engines for the Honda Canada GDR Team; they are the real deal!  To prove it, they went out and gave their all to earn some great results this past weekend in Nanaimo, BC Canada at Round 1 of the CMRC Searies.

Jake Canada’s 8th Masks True Speed on his Proven Powered 51Fifty Rocket Ship!

Livingston, CA (April 15, 2014) – 51FIFTY Energy Drink rider Jake Canada raced to 8th in the 250 Main at the Seattle Supercross, his second-consecutive come from behind to 8th.  With a 15-lap main event that lasted 21 minutes 30 seconds, Jake was solid for all but the first .3 seconds.  The likable Sun City native turned in similar lap times to those on the podium but has struggled with his starts.

Jake Canada lined up for Heat Race #2 and was part of race that even long time SX fans would say was one of the wildest heats in recent memory.  With bikes and bodies flying all over the technical track and block passing that Chicken and Bradshaw may call excessive, Jake methodically worked his way past the carnage.  With smooth, consistent lap times, Canada earned a direct transfer to the 250 Main.

Lining up to the far inside for the 250 Main, Jake struggled out of the gate and into turn one; far behind the lead back.  If the AMA awarded points for passing, Jake would be in the championship hunt as, for the second week in a row, he started his charge from virtually last.   Passing riders through the difficult whoops, rhythm sections and rutted corners, Canada laid down fast lap times despite the traffic.  As the laps wore down, Canada, urged on by mechanic Drew Hopkins, stayed aggressive.  Passing a few more riders, Jake would end up in an identical finishing position as the week prior with a solid 8th place.

Those who have kept an eye on the Honda CRF250R-mounted rider know that Jake Canada is due for a break out race at the final round.  He has the speed, endurance, a solid 51FIFTY team and supporting cast and would surprise none of his fans with a finish inside the top 5.  Stay tuned to Fox Sports 1 for the upcoming round at Las Vegas on May 2nd and expect the #66 to finish up front.

Visit www.51fiftyenergydrink.com for more information, news and follow us, learn about contest entries, race results, Enter to Win promotions and more on Twitter (@51FIFTYenergy), Facebook (www.facebook.com/51FIFTYEnergy) and Instagram (@51FIFTYenergy). “Live the Madness”

We wish to thank our sponsors including Allied Packaging, Alias, Alpinestars, ARC Cycra, D.I.D, DT1, Dubya, Dunlop, FMF, Galfer, Hinson, Magik, Maxima, Milestone MX, Moto Tassinari, Pro Taper, DVS, VonZipper, Proven Moto, Vortex, Renegade Fuels, Works Connection, and XTRIG.

51FIFTY is a proud sponsor of ‘Race for Autism’ a fundraising campaign that raises money and awareness for Autism. A percentage of every can of 51FIFTY Energy Drink is donated to Race for Autism.

Press Re lease brought to you Courtesy of 51Fifty Energy Drink

Proven Rider, Landen Powell Recaps His Last 6 Weeks on the East

In a day in age where amateur riders are finding support at a younger age, it’s a rarity to see a rider without much of an amateur career to find a spot in the professional ranks. Growing up in South Jordan, Utah, Landen Powell didn’t travel the country attending the big amateur events. In fact, he says his amateur consisted of two trips to the World Minis. Instead, he played high school football. It wasn’t until around the age of 17 that he decided to dedicate himself to the life of a professional racer. Since that time, Powell has been a fringe main event rider in 250SX, fighting the fight against the factory guys. This year, Powell rededicated himself, moved east and decided to race the 250SX East Region for the first time in his professional career. After a sluggish start to the year, Powell has made three consecutive mains, including a season high twelfth in St. Louis. We caught up with the friendly, well-spoken Powell after he returned back home to Utah for the East Region break.

Racer X: You’re originally from Utah, but decided to race the East Region this year and are training down at GPF. What led to that decision?
Landen Powell: I had a two-year deal with Rocky Mountain ATV/MC, so my plan was to ride the West Coast. But after Monster Cup things kind of turned bad and the deal fell apart. I was kind of left with nothing and after Monster Cup and there wasn’t too much time to get together sponsors and get everything together the way I wanted. I could have done it, but I would have been unprepared and that’s not what I wanted to do. So I kind of took a step back to decide what I wanted to do, and I made the decision to go east. I got some sponsors together and traveled to GPF and made it work. I got an apartment there and that was kind of my location for the year. It worked out really well. I was able to put my bike on Team Gus and fly in to all the races.

I heard that Tyler Keefe, the team manager at Lucas Oil/Troy Lee Designs Honda, had some input into the decision.
After the whole deal after the Monster Cup I was pretty bummed out. Being 22, kind of a bubble main event guy, it was one of those situations where I was thinking maybe it’s time to go to school and move on from this. I was getting some advice from different people and Matt Jory from Proven Moto was like, “You know what, man, I’m going to have you call Tyler. He has always had some really good advice for me and he was in a similar situation when he was racing.” I called him and he basically told me, “You have to figure it out for yourself and if this is something you still think you can do, I think your best bet is to pack up and move east. Don’t even think about it, just pack up and leave. Get away from California and find yourself out there and see where you fit.”

It’s quite the contrast from southern California to middle-of-nowhere Georgia. How did you adjust?
I actually adjusted really well. I was never really into the whole California thing. So Georgia worked out really well for me. I saved a lot of money on gas and travel and obviously it’s a lot cheaper to live out there. For me, it was awesome to not sit in traffic everyday going to the track.

You mentioned being 22 and a bubble guy. What ultimately led you to say, “Hey, I still want to do this?”
I think for me, to this point I don’t think I put everything into it that I could have. I’ve never had a trainer … I haven’t done the things I needed to do to reach my full potential. I think I’ve always been a really good rider, but I don’t think I’ve had the resources to become a really good racer. That’s why I wanted to change things this year and put a little more focus into it. I didn’t want to two or three years down the road to regret not continuing. I wanted to make sure that when I’m done with this sport that I put everything into that I have and I’m able to walk away knowing that I reached my full potential.

You actually got a late start to your career. You went to high school and played football and basketball, correct?
Yep. I went to school and played football all the way into high school. When I finally decided that’s not really what I wanted to be, my senior year of football would be over with [laughs]. I really wanted to take racing seriously and I wanted to take that next step and see where I could go with it.

So you started to strive for a professional career around 18 or 19?
Yeah, I would say I was about 17 or 18.

That’s quite a late start compared to the kids that are coming through the amateur ranks. How were you able to carve a path to a professional career?
It was tough. A lot of guys make their names in the amateurs. Sponsors and everyone are seeing them coming up from an 85. I didn’t do any of that. I went to World Mini twice and that was pretty much my whole amateur career [laughs]. So it was tough, but I think just getting a few good results and having a good attitude all the time and making good relationships with sponsors … I feel like I’ve always tried to represent my sponsors well and make a lot of good relationships in the industry and at the end of the day I think all of that is starting to catch up and people are starting to notice me, which is really good. It took some time, but I think things are coming together.

Let’s transition to this year. You got off to a slow start, but have made three straight mains and finished a season high 12th in St. Louis. Lately, what has gotten you over the edge where you’re making mains, getting good results?
I think I finally got some confidence. I know I’ve had the speed all year … I think I’ve had the speed the past couple years. But to actually believe that you belong there is really hard. And I think that’s where a lot of guys struggle. To be able to go into the race believing you should be on the track with those top guys is a really difficult thing. Once I made the first main, the next weekend was no problem—I wasn’t even thinking about it anymore, it just becomes automatic.

I think it was 2012 you also got off to a slow start, then things clicked and you made three of four mains to end the year. What is it that is holding you back to begin the year?
Man, that’s something I would really like to figure out [laughs]. But like I said, I think it’s my confidence. I think I go into the year looking at all the names, everyone is healthy and I stress out. My practice times have always been good, but when I get to the night show and I get in a position I’m so worried about qualifying or the guys behind me that I forget to ride the track. My times are always slower in the night program. So I really think it all comes down to mental. I think my mental game is what needs help and once I figure that out I’ll really be able to excel.

I think a lot of riders are always worried about how to improve their technique or their training, but not many actually look at the mental aspect. Now that you’ve been doing this a few years, have you found ways to approach things different mentally?
I think the biggest thing is not so much yourself, but you have to surround yourself with good people that are encouraging you and improving your mental game. I think this year I’ve found some good people that are really helping me with my program and my mental game. A lot of people will ask you what the difference is between a privateer and a factory guy and most guys will say the bike, but I honestly don’t believe that. I think I have a bike that can compete with the factories, but where the factories are better is that they have the support with mechanics, they have five spotters around the stadium telling you where you need to improve and it’s really a team effort.

As we’ve seen this year guys like Vince Friese, Catanzaro, Lemoine, Oldenburg, etc. the privateers can get it done, but like you said, sometimes it can be the mental aspect they have to overcome.
I think equipment is definitely not an issue. I think it definitely helps, but to have the right mental approach I think is the biggest thing.

Something unique I heard was that your dad had a part in getting the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship out to Miller Motorsports Park.
Yeah, my dad works at the Energy Solutions Arena where the [Utah] Jazz play and they also own Miller Motorsports Park. My dad had a relationship with Feld and the people that run the races [MX Sports] and he heard that they were looking to approach a venue with facilities like Miller. The people at Miller have been working on that for a few years now and put a lot of time into it, so to see it happen was cool.

What are the plans for outdoors?
I think I will mostly stick to the local races. I will definitely race the Utah National and I may do some West Coast ones. I may go to Lakewood and Washougal. Mostly I’m going to push my motocross school this year and race locally and kind of have some fun.

[If you are interested in his school you can contact Landen via email at lpowell854@gmail.com]

Thanks, Landen. Who would you like to thank for helping you this season?
Frist I need to thank my family. My dad, mom, brother, sister, and girlfriend for being so supportive, my dad really busted his butt to help me find sponsors to make this year possible. I would also like to thank Escape Motorsports, Tuff Country, Proven Moto, Wing Nutz, JayBird Sport, Nitro Circus Live, FLY Racing, Bell Helmets, Ride 100%, Vortex, FMF, Enzo, Dubya, Works Connection, Rekluse, NoToil, Ryno Designs, Moto Seat, Miller Motorsports Park, Bisco Family, MotoHead Clothing, Carbsport, Team Gus, Dunlop, GPF, Car Concepts, Tire Pros, KTM North America, Iconsports, and everyone who continues to support me each and every week!

Jake Canada ‘Lives the Madness’

Livingston, CA (February 11, 2014) – 51FIFTY Energy Drink rider Jake Canada timed the gate for the 250 Main in San Diego perfectly. Racing into turn one, Jake was out front but held it wide open for a second too long, careening off the track and onto the stadium grass. Sliding back and forth searching for traction to get back on the track, his race from the back of the pack to 9th was on; maddening but impressive.

Coming into San Diego, the local rider from Sun City was full of confidence.  After a great ride the week prior in Anaheim and a solid week of testing, Jake was looking for a career best at Qualcomm stadium.  When the gate dropped for Heat #2, Jake put himself in a solid qualifying position. Focused on racing and learning new lines on the short, technical track, Jake would ride and eventually finish in 5th to, once again, earn a direct transfer to the Main.

With a few adjustments to his Honda CRF250R, Jake Canada began his pre-race routine of various stretches and flexibility drills with Charles Dao and, with a good sweat, headed down the tunnel to the starting gate for the 250 Main.

As he had a week prior, Jake gated perfectly and was in position to holeshot the Main.  Squeezing every last bit of power into turn one, Canada simply carried too much momentum drifting off the track onto the slippery grass infield.  As if riding on ice, Jake fought for traction, nearly going down, until fighting his way back on the track.  For Jake, racing from the back of the pack instead of up front with the leaders was infuriating but for his fans it would be a great show as he passed riders lap after lap.  With the ultra-short track and Main lasting only 12 minutes, Jake’s race to the front was limited but amazingly finished inside the Top 10 in 9th place.

“I had a solid Heat race, my conditioning is the best it’s been, and my lap times were are par with the top guys.  I expected better of myself in the Main,” explained Jake Canada. “I blew the first turn after getting a good jump, rode hard to finish 9th but that doesn’t make going into the long break too enjoyable.”

Visit www.51fiftyenergydrink.com for more information, news and follow us, learn about contest entries, race results, Enter to Win promotions and more on Twitter (@51FIFTYenergy), Facebook (www.facebook.com/51FIFTYEnergy) and Instagram (@51FIFTYenergy). “Live the Madness”

We wish to thank our sponsors including Allied Packaging, Alias, Alpinestars, ARC Cycra, D.I.D, DT1, Dubya, Dunlop, FMF, Galfer, Hinson, Magik, Maxima, Milestone MX, Moto Tassinari, Pro Taper, DVS, VonZipper,  Proven Moto, Vortex, Renegade Fuels Works Connection, and XTRIG.

51FIFTY is a proud sponsor of ‘Race for Autism’ a fundraising campaign that raises money and awareness for Autism. A percentage of every can of 51FIFTY Energy Drink is donated to Race for Autism.

Press Release brought to you Courtesy of 51Fifty Energy Drink.

Jake Canada Returns to Oakland SX

Livingston, CA (January 28, 2014) – 51FIFTY team rider Jake Canada returned to the Oakland Supercross after missing last weeks race at Anaheim. While lingering injuries limited the #66 to only a few hours of practice and testing, Jake showed speed from the initial practice session through the Main.

Oakland, less than an hour from the home of title sponsor 51FIFTY Energy Drink, brought out the companies staff, friends and family to cheer on Jake. Though pulled in myriad of directions, Canada’s focus remained steadfast on finishing inside the top 5. With only minor adjustments from suspension engineer Graeme Brough after practice, Jake was confident in his bike set up, speed and ready for the night program.

In his Heat race, the #66 was positioned toward the inside, timed the gate perfectly and drove a tight line inside into turn one in front of the pack. A few errors on the first lap allowed riders by but Jake settled in, received great television time, and finished 5th transferring to the Main. Canada’s start in the Main unfortunately was the opposite of his heat, coming out of turn 1 toward the back of the pack. Known for his ability to slice his way through traffic, Jake fought toward to the front and again was featured extensively on the Fox Sports 1 live television broadcast. Moving into the top 9, Jake was determined to pass the pack of riders just ahead but a costly mistake on the last lap stalled his CRF250 and dropped Canada to 11th.

“I’m want to say I’m proud of my ride but I’m not. I had a terrible start and while I was able to pass guys the lead pack was gone. You can’t spot these guys 10-15 seconds on the first few laps and expect to podium,” explained Jake Canada. “I expected better of myself and while the whole crew on the team has been supportive, especially after my Phoenix crash, for me, the flight home won’t be pleasant. I’ll use this as motivation and be ready for Anaheim.”

Jake Canada and 51FIFTY Energy Drink will be at Malcolm Smith Motorsports this coming Friday (Jan. 31) as part of their huge Open House/Autograph Signing. Stop by and meet Jake Canada and host of Factory riders from 5:00 – 7:00 pm.

Visit www.51fiftyenergydrink.com for more information, news and follow us, learn about contest entries, race results, Enter to Win promotions and more on Twitter (@51FIFTYenergy), Facebook (www.facebook.com/51FIFTYEnergy) and Instagram (@51FIFTYenergy). “Live the Madness”

We wish to thank our sponsors including Allied Packaging, Alias, Alpinestars, ARC Cycra, D.I.D, DT1, Dubya, Dunlop, FMF, Galfer, Hinson, Magik, Maxima, Milestone MX, Moto Tassinari, Pro Taper, DVS, VonZipper, Proven Moto, Vortex, Renegade Fuels Works Connection, and XTRIG.

51FIFTY is a proud sponsor of ‘Race for Autism’ a fundraising campaign that raises money and awareness for Autism. A percentage of every can of 51FIFTY Energy Drink is donated to Race for Autism.

Press Release brought to you courtesy of 51Fifty Energy Drink