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Hayes Powersports proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of its sponsored racers, Rodney VanEperen and his 18-year-old son, Owen VanEperen, as the 2025 AMSOIL Championship Off-Road racing season concludes. The father-son duo, owners of Powersports 1 in Appleton, Wisconsin, have demonstrated exceptional skill, securing top finishes in highly competitive classes. Their success underscores Hayes Powersports’ commitment to innovation and excellence in braking solutions for powersports.
Key Highlights
- Owen VanEperen clinched 1st-place finishes in both Pro Stock and Pro SxS classes.
- Rodney VanEperen secured 3rd place in the Pro SxS class.
- The VanEperens have been partners with Hayes since 2021, using Sovren brake calipers, Pro-Float, and Pro-Fix rotors.
- Hayes’ Race to Road/Trail philosophy leverages racing to refine products for aftermarket and OEM integration.
- The Sovren caliper kit is now featured on the 2025 Yamaha RMAX.
Breakthrough Performances in 2025
Owen VanEperen’s standout season marked him as a rising star in off-road racing, dominating the Pro Stock and Pro SxS classes with first-place finishes. His father, Rodney, complemented this success with a strong third-place finish in the Pro SxS class. These achievements highlight the VanEperens’ talent and the reliability of Hayes’ braking systems under intense racing conditions.
Partnership Driving Innovation
Since partnering with Hayes Powersports in 2021, the VanEperens have played a pivotal role in testing and validating products like the Sovren brake caliper kit. According to Philip Malliet, CEO and President of Hayes, this collaboration aligns with the company’s Race to Road/Trail philosophy. By developing and testing components in demanding race environments, Hayes refines products for broader aftermarket availability and OEM integration, such as the 2025 Yamaha RMAX.
Rising Popularity of SxS Racing
The growing popularity of short-course Side-by-Side (SxS) racing has put the VanEperens in the spotlight. Travis Koeppen, Hayes Product Manager, praised the duo’s consistent success, noting their status as leading figures in this dynamic sport. Their performances showcase the durability and precision of Hayes’ braking solutions, designed to excel on any terrain for both competitive and recreational riders.
Hayes’ Commitment to Excellence
Hayes Powersports, a division of Hayes Performance Systems, continues to lead in braking solutions for powersports. With a legacy of innovation across industries like bicycle and industrial markets, Hayes focuses on delivering sophisticated, reliable solutions that enhance safety and performance. The success of the VanEperens in the 2025 season reflects the strength of Hayes’ partnerships with athletes and OEMs, driving advancements in product development.
A Legacy of Innovation
The collaboration between Hayes’ engineers, its sponsored athletes, and OEM partners has solidified the company’s position as a trusted name in powersports. The Sovren caliper kit, rigorously tested by the VanEperens, exemplifies Hayes’ dedication to creating high-performance, dependable braking systems for diverse applications.
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