Whibs' 2011 Campaign

[denill]

Race Report: Eastern Hare Scramble Series Rnd 1
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: Am Pro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 4th

Getting back into the swing of things ahead of the series opening OMA and GNCC events the Am Pro team raced the opener for the Eastern National Hare Scramble Series. Looking down the start line was just like being at a GNCC with a lot of teams using this event as a warm up.

I got a shocking start and was near last into the trees. Tight conditions in the trees made passing tough but some of the open sections allowed a chance to make up some ground. I hooked up with Charlie Mullins on his new KTM during the middle stages of the race and we moved towards the front. Charlie then had bike problems and I was back to riding by myself.

The lead bunch of Thad Duvall, Stu Baylor and Russell Bobbit were pushing each other hard and I was having a hard time bridging the last gap after getting up to 4th I was having a lot of fun on the track and the conditions were near perfect. After racing for a couple of months in NZ in the mostly fast grass track conditions, I was really loving some tight rough trees to weave through. The YZ was working great and the settings we came up with last year with Factory Connection are still spot on. We have also tested some new combinations of the FMF exhaust system and have made some progress with power delivery. 4th was where I would finish up after failing to put a dent into the lead freight train late in the race.

Disappointed with the result but really enjoyed getting back into some racing. The progress Scotty, my new mechanic, and the team have made in the week we have been back state side has been impressive.

1st Thad Duvall
2nd Stu Baylor
3rd Russell Bobbit
4th Paul Whibley
5th Mike Lafferty

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start
Up services.

[NordieBoy]

Whibs, bad start? Say it isn't true!

[denill]

Whibs, bad start? Say it isn't true!

Wouldn't read too much in to that. Pretty much last off the line and got lots of passing experiences. :yes:

[NordieBoy]

Wouldn't read too much in to that. Pretty much last off the line and got lots of passing experiences. :yes:

But doesn't he have a tattoo with "Yeah, I got the holeshot" up one arm?

:innocent:

[denill]

But doesn't he have a tattoo with "Yeah, I got the holeshot" up one arm?

:innocent:

Yeah, true. Reckon he will remeber it's there on his next and more important start. :innocent:

[NordieBoy]

Send him a bar pad with "holeshot" all over it :D

[denill]

www.paulwhibley.co.nz

Race Report: OMA Rnd 1, Alabama
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: Am Pro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 2nd

Round 1 of the OMA series kicked off at a new venue near Tuscumbia, Alabama. The track consisted of some tight fresh woods with some pretty rocky sections.

The 2 hour event kicked off with the wave of a flag. I shot toward turn one with Russell Bobbitt just inside me. Rubbing elbows as we entered the turn and getting bumped wide allowing Scotty Watkins by. I entered the woods in third. I pushed hard to get past Scotty quickly as I knew Bobbitt would be pinning it up front. After making a move on Scotty on a rocky down hill I got stuck between two trees in a tight section allowing Russell to get away. Over the next couple laps I worked hard slowly reeling him in.

Finally pulling up to his rear wheel I began to look for some were to make a move. I found a couple places where I was going quicker but it was hard to put it together and set up a pass with most of the trail being tight and rocky. The pit stop went smoothly and we were in and out quickly and back into the battle. Over the next couple of laps I continued to keep the pressure on and look for opportunities but nothing presented itself.

It was becoming clear I was really going to have to put it on the line and make something happen. On the second to last lap I had a place lined up but got a vine snagged on my bars and lost a few seconds to Russell. On the last lap I made my move on one of the open sections and got along side of him but the door was shut pretty quick. In the end I had to settle for 2nd

Russell rode a great race and owned it right from the start. I failed to find and take any chances to take the lead but it was a great battle right down to the end. The pace we were running pushed us further out front and we had a comfortable lead over 3rd place, my team mate Jordan Ashburn.

1st; Russell Bobbit
2nd; Paul Whibley
3rd; Jordan Ashburn

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start
Up services, Works Connection.

[Reckless]

Thanks Denhill for the updates!!

Sounds like the opposition has up'ed their game a bit??

[NordieBoy]

Sounds like the opposition has up'ed their game a bit??

The others are allowed to ride YZF's now too?

:facepalm:

[denill]

The others are allowed to ride YZF's now too?

:facepalm:

Bobbit rides for the FMF/KTM Factory Off-Road Racing Team on a 250XC Two Stroke.

[Reckless]

Bobbit rides for the FMF/KTM Factory Off-Road Racing Team on a 250XC Two Stroke.

Ha so there's still hope for the 2smokers!!

[denill]

Ha so there's still hope for the 2smokers!!

The way to the future :facepalm:

[NordieBoy]

Back to the future even :D

[denill]

Race Report: Mid East HS Round 1
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: Am Pro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st


The final race weekend before the GNCC series kicks off, was filled with attending round 1 of
the Mid East Hare scramble series. The event was held near Woodruff SC which is only about
an hour from our team base so it was nice not to have to travel to far.
Dry conditions for this time of year saw an orange cloud drifting about the pits as the juniors
raced. The trail looked to hold a little more moisture in the woods.

With last pick for the line I was forced to line up on the extreme inside but with the YZ firing up
quickly and knifing up the inside saw me take the holeshot. Leading the way, I set a good pace
and only Jesse Robinson kept me in sight as the laps ticked by. There was a fairly big turn out
and lapped traffic was chaotic over the first hour of the race. Scotty and Katherine had me in
and out of the pits near the hour and a half mark, thanks to Todd McDonald for manning the
dump can. With only two laps to go I kept up the pace and had a comfortable lead but there
was no slacking over the final laps. With the GNCC series looming, pushing hard and holding
the intensity to the end was a must.

Taking the win sealed the race preparation for 2011. Scotty has the bikes under control,
Katherine has the pits running smooth and the training is on track. Things are in good shape
heading to Florida for Round One on March 8th
.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jesse Robinson
3rd: Jason Gillion

[Reckless]

thank Denill

Rely on your reports on here cheers!

Look like paul is back to the old winning ways yehhaa good for the GNCC!!

[NordieBoy]

Ahhh...
Holeshot.

Such a nice word.

Holeshot holeshot holeshot holeshot holeshot holeshot holeshot...

Nope, don't get sick of hearing that one.

[takitimu]

Looks like something went wrong with Whib's, end of the 1st lap he was 22nd, now up to 14th 1/2 way through, but running 30 seconds slower than Mike Brown who's leading, so sure hoping something's wrong with his bike.
http://www.gncclive.com/

[Reckless]

Looks like 15th atm not quite sure how long to go but can't be long?

Hopefully the race report will tell us what was up??

[Katoomer]

Overall Nbr Racer Name Home Town Brand Class Class Position Laps Completed Time Elapsed
1 #112 CHARLES MULLINS HICKORY, NC KTM XC1 Pro 1 7 01:37.2
2 #811 MICHAEL L BROWN BLUFF CITY, TN Other XC1 Pro 2 7 02:15.3
3 #005 CHRISTOPHER BACH Beta XC1 Pro 3 7 02:35.6
4 #001 JOSHUA V STRANG ANTIOCH, CA Suzuki XC1 Pro 4 7 03:04.9
5 #116 NATHAN KANNEY HIGH FALLS, NY KTM XC1 Pro 5 7 04:26.0
6 #014 STEWARD BAYLOR JR BELTON, SC KTM XC2 Pro Lites 1 7 05:48.2
7 #121 CORY BUTTRICK LOGAN, OH KTM XC1 Pro 6 7 05:54.7
8 #008 JASON THOMAS Husqvarna XC2 Pro Lites 2 7 06:50.0
9 #009 JESSE ROBINSON CONNELLYS SPRINGS, NC KTM XC2 Pro Lites 3 7 08:16.2
10 #217 GARRET EDMINSTEN VERO BEACH, FL Kawasaki XC1 Pro 7 7 08:40.7
11 #118 MIKE LAFFERTY MILLVILLE, NJ Husaberg XC1 Pro 8 7 09:53.8
12 #347 ANDREW R DELONG MORGANTOWN, PA KTM XC2 Pro Lites 4 7 10:20.8
13 #423 MORGAN MOSS ST FRANCISVILLE, LA Husqvarna XC2 Pro Lites 5 7 14:56.8
14 #522 BRAD BAKKEN POWHATAN, VA KTM XC2 Pro Lites 6 7 15:12.1
15 #003 PAUL WHIBLEY TRAVERSE CITY, SC Yamaha XC1 Pro 9 7 18:05.5
16 #657 AARON PLESSINGER HAMILTON, OH Yamaha 250 A 1 7 20:41.5

But Xc1 class a little better , came from way back to 9th

Pos Nbr Racer Name Home Town Brand Class Laps Completed Time Elapsed
1 #112 CHARLES MULLINS HICKORY, NC KTM XC1 Pro 7 01:37.2
2 #811 MICHAEL L BROWN BLUFF CITY, TN Other XC1 Pro 7 02:15.3
3 #005 CHRISTOPHER BACH Beta XC1 Pro 7 02:35.6
4 #001 JOSHUA V STRANG ANTIOCH, CA Suzuki XC1 Pro 7 03:04.9
5 #116 NATHAN KANNEY HIGH FALLS, NY KTM XC1 Pro 7 04:26.0
6 #121 CORY BUTTRICK LOGAN, OH KTM XC1 Pro 7 05:54.7
7 #217 GARRET EDMINSTEN VERO BEACH, FL Kawasaki XC1 Pro 7 08:40.7
8 #118 MIKE LAFFERTY MILLVILLE, NJ Husaberg XC1 Pro 7 09:53.8
9 #003 PAUL WHIBLEY TRAVERSE CITY, SC Yamaha XC1 Pro 7 18:05.5
10 #359 FERNANDO MACIA MIAMI, FL Yamaha XC1 Pro 7 29:01.8
11 #184 DENNIS STAPLETON CAPITOLA, CA Yamaha XC1 Pro 7 38:46.5
12 #557 KAILUB K RUSSELL BOONVILLE, NC KTM XC1 Pro 6 55:52.4
13 #041 JEDIDIAH HAINES FAIRFIELD, PA Kawasaki XC1 Pro 6 58:01.7
14 #133 HAYATO DEGUCHI YOKOSKA CITY, JP Yamaha XC1 Pro 6 02:51.7
15 #051 DENNIS DAGOSTINO PINE GROVE, PA Honda XC1 Pro 6 04:43.2
16 #132 KENJI SUZUKI SHIZEZUOK, JP Yamaha XC1 Pro 6 10:23.7
17 #044 JIMMY JARRETT SALEM, OH Honda XC1 Pro 6 11:54.1
18 #018 KENNETH S GILBERT GAFFNEY, SC Husaberg XC1 Pro 6 20:59.7
19 #280 RYAN GAINEY SOUTH HAMPTON, NJ Honda XC1 Pro 6 33:20.4
20 #989 THADDEUS DUVALL WILLAIMSTOWN, WV Yamaha XC1 Pro 4 59:56.5
21 #119 SIMO KIRSSI Husqvarna XC1 Pro 3 16:21.8
22 #017 JUSTIN WILLIAMSON ADRIAN, WV Kawasaki XC1 Pro 3 36:01.7

[raglanash]

"Paul Whibley won the $250 Motosport.com Holeshot Award to start the race, however, the Am Pro/FMF/Yamaha rider hit a tree on the first lap and broke the radiator off his YZ450F. Whibs returned to the pits to repair the damage and then turned in a gutsy performance, which garnered him eighth."

[Reckless]

"Paul Whibley won the $250 Motosport.com Holeshot Award to start the race, however, the Am Pro/FMF/Yamaha rider hit a tree on the first lap and broke the radiator off his YZ450F. Whibs returned to the pits to repair the damage and then turned in a gutsy performance, which garnered him eighth."

Shit the trees even jump out in front of him to!! :facepalm:

Don't feel so bad now!:yes:

Better luck next time Paul!!!

[flyingcr250]

"paul whibley won the $250 motosport.com holeshot award to start the race, however, the am pro/fmf/yamaha rider hit a tree on the first lap and broke the radiator off his yz450f. Whibs returned to the pits to repair the damage and then turned in a gutsy performance, which garnered him eighth."

death before dnf!!!

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Round 1
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 8th XC1

Round 1 of the GNCC series opened in Florida, south of Orlando. Being part of Daytona bike week, this race is staged on Tuesday. With the long build up to this race over the off season it was good to get back into it.

With the wave of the green flag the 2011 GNCC season kicked off with a roar and like last year I took the opening hole shot honours. Just before we hit the woods Mike Brown snuck past and into the lead. The track was well used and a bit dusty in the first mile. I was chasing Mike when I hit a root or something in the dust that sent me offline. I regained control just in time to avoid a head on with a tree although my elbow and radiator clipped it.

As I sat down for the next corner my knee caught the damaged radiator and drew my attention to how extensive the damage was. I assessed how much coolant it was losing and contemplated trying to make a lap before stopping for repairs, but further investigation revealed I probably wouldn’t complete a lap before the bike would suffer terminal damage. So I headed back to the pits where Scotty and the team fitted a new radiator. I got back out on the track but was a long way back. I was behind most classes and had to push through thick traffic right from the start, the leaders were able to pull even further away with a clear track. I tried to put in some consistent laps and salvage some points.

I knew it was a tough track and that the mortality rate would be high so was determined to at least finish in the points. As the race wore on I picked off guys one at a time and slowly moved into contention for points. By the time the race was done I had done enough to move up to 8th in XC1. A tough day at the office but we are on the board and will be moving up from here.

1st: Charlie Mullins
2nd: Mike Brown
3rd: Chris Bach

Paul Whibley is supported in NZ by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC,Darbis, GHQ, Pirelli, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ. Rosscos Start Up Services

[denill]

The upside is that Whibs has the pace. - and the ability to pass. :yes:

Is MICHAEL L BROWN BLUFF CITY, TN, the MXer Mike Brown. who had a brief sojurn in the UK on a Honda before a fall out, one of the many fall outs he had in his career?

[takitimu]

The upside is that Whibs has the pace. - and the ability to pass. :yes:

Is MICHAEL L BROWN BLUFF CITY, TN, the MXer Mike Brown. who had a brief sojurn in the UK on a Honda before a fall out, one of the many fall outs he had in his career?

He did damn well, I did wonder how he ended up so far back, a trashed radiator will do it.

Mike Brown, all I know is he's a mx racer, so I'd have to say the odds would be very very high.

Sounds like the May 1 race is in Tennessee, never been there, but I'm getting itchy feet & in the states then, so figure road trip time :).

[scott411]

He did damn well, I did wonder how he ended up so far back, a trashed radiator will do it.

Mike Brown, all I know is he's a mx racer, so I'd have to say the odds would be very very high.

Sounds like the May 1 race is in Tennessee, never been there, but I'm getting itchy feet & in the states then, so figure road trip time :).

the opening round is quite different to the rest being in sand and being a very whooped out course which tend to suit the MX riders,

Mike Brown normally races the WORCS series which is west coast based, i think he was champ last year or the year before of that series,

i do not think Whibs goes so well at this round most years, i could be wrong tho, i think when they get back into the trees it will be better for him

[t595]

The upside is that Whibs has the pace. - and the ability to pass. :yes:

Is MICHAEL L BROWN BLUFF CITY, TN, the MXer Mike Brown. who had a brief sojurn in the UK on a Honda before a fall out, one of the many fall outs he had in his career?
Yip thats him

[takitimu]

http://gnccracing.com/articles/2853_whibley-wins-maxxis-general-gncc

Paul wins the second round, damn fine effort.

[Reckless]

1st in this race puts him 3rd overall and only 3 points behind damn good recovery!!

[raglanash]

And he did it with one eye!
http://racerxonline.com/2011/03/14/monday-conversation-ii-paul-whibley

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Round 2
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

Round 1 of the GNCC series didn’t go to plan but we made up for it at the second round in
Georgia. A top 10 start wasn’t too bad with a couple of early passes I was in contact of the lead
bunch.

The track was rough and soft in the trees with a lot of lines fanning out through the wet
sections. These provided plenty of opportunities for passing and allowed some great racing
with the lead changing constantly and a bunch of riders all wanting a piece of the pie.
Midway through the 3 hour event the battle was still raging with hole shotter Nate Kanney,
Suzukis’ Josh Strang, round 1 winner Charlie Mullins, KTMs’ Cory Buttrick, myself and my team
mate Thad Duvall still duking it out for the lead. With about three laps to go Josh and Thad
began to open up a small lead. I was behind Nate Kanney in 4th and quickly needed to get by
him to bridge that gap to remain in contact with the lead.

As we came out across an open field I out braked Nate going back into the woods and chased down
Thad and Josh. With two laps to go I moved into the lead and tried to open my own gap. Going into the last lap I think I had
almost 15 seconds over Josh but he was pushing hard and was not going to hand it to me. I
continued to keep the pace on and maintain the lead. Mid last lap a branch nearly ended my
run for the win, smashing me in the face and nearly cleaning me off the bike. It broke off my
Smith roll-off canister and half tore the lense out of the frame. Lucky the Smith goggles are
quality equipment and I was able to carry on although I was struggling to see out my left eye
with it swelling fast. I made it to the line with a small buffer over Josh to claim my first win of
the season.


1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Josh Strang
3rd: Thad Duvall

Paul Whibley is supported in NZ by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Pirelli, Sargent Motorcycles,
Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start up Services

[denill]

1st in this race puts him 3rd overall and only 3 points behind damn good recovery!!

2011 is looking better already. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[denill]

Race Report: Mid East HS Series Round 2
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

Round 2 of the Mid East HS series was held near Morganton North Carolina over the weekend, and being only two hours drive from the AmPro team base was nice. With the first pick of the line I took the inside line for the very short start straight. I got a good jump and was side by side with Stu Baylor going round turn one. I had a better line going into turn two and took the lead. Mid first lap the track split up one hill, I chose the left line, Stu and Jesse Robinson took the faster right line and inherited the lead. Later in the lap I was able to return the favour on an off camber hill where both Stu and Jesse struggled and took bad lines allowing me back into the lead.

Coming around to complete the first lap I led the way through the barrels. On the second lap I had a small moment on an exposed root and lost drive up a hill climb allowing Jesse to slip by into the lead again. As we closed in on the MX track at the end of the lap I closed in on Jesse and was able to sneak up the inside of him as we approached the double jump.

During the week we were able to test some new Kenda tires and I ran the new Millville combo at this race and I have to say they performed great, finding traction on the range of conditions from hard pack to loam at this race track. From lap three onwards I was able to begin to open a gap and build a lead. By the time the flag came out at the two hour mark I had over a minute lead.

Thanks to Katherine and Scotty for keeping the pits running smoothly and the bike and body fuelled.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Stu Baylor
3rd: Jesse Robinson

Paul Whibley is supported in NZ by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services

[NordieBoy]

Going nicely. Hiccups and still wins...

I think he'd even be able to beat me now.

[kezzafish]

awesome, cheers Denill

[vazza]

Cheers for the consistant updates denill, very good read!

[Katoomer]

Says he had an off day today ending up 5th.
Last into the first corner wouldn't have helped either.

http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/2903_strang-steals-steele-creek-win

[denill]

Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 5th
The green flag waved and I sat on the line as the rest of the field roared off towards turn one.
Not exactly sure what happened but the bike just didn’t fire but after several kicks the YZ
sparked to life and I gave chase.
The Steel Creek venue in North Carolina is dominated by the hills and we are typically going up
or down. Another element that is common at this track is the weather, it is always cold. This
year temperatures didn’t rise above 50f (10c) and after the warm weather we have been spoilt
with lately this was hard to take.
I picked a few guys off and moved inside the top 10 but quickly felt my arms pump up and I
began to ride tight. I think it was temperature that played havoc with my forearms. My
progress slowed until I loosened up after the halfway mark then I was able to push again and
make some more passes. Charging past Finnish rider Simo Kirssi and GEICO Honda rider Jimmy
Jarrett, I closed in on the top five. I got stuck in a small mud hole allowing XC2 leader Jason
Thomas by. I got going again and over the last two laps got into a battle with Jason, eventually
getting the position back. Jason had started a row behind me and therefore I needed to put a
minute on him to finish ahead of him overall. On the last lap Katherine was giving me pit
boards with the lead I had built on Jason, 30 seconds then 42 seconds. The last board I got was
45 seconds. I needed 15 seconds over the last couple of miles.
By the time I got to the flag I had done enough to move up to 5th
overall. Not what I was
hoping for but it is some points in the bag.

1st: Josh Strang
2nd: Charlie Mullins
3rd: Cory Buttrick
4th: Kailub Russell
5th: Paul Whibley

[denill]

<a href=http://www.digitaloffroad.com/2011/03/01/better-half-katherine-whibley/> Have you read this interview with Katherine?</A>

[NordieBoy]

Have now.

:niceone:

[denill]

Race Report: Mid East HS Round 3, NCHSA Round 2
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st, 1st

Double header weekend.

The 3rd Mid East XC was held on Saturday and Round 2 of the North Carolina Hare Scramble Association Series being held on Sunday.

The Mid East race was staged at the Antioch Speedway and the first mile and a half incorporated the dirt track oval and infield. The track also ran through the embankment above the oval allowing spectators to view the first couple miles of the lap. With a pretty high average speed the 6 mile loop was completed in 12 minutes.

I got a good start and swept into the lead as we speed around the dirt track oval. Cory McDonald gave chase on his YZ 450 until a flat tire allowed KTM rider Stu Baylor and my AmPro teammate Jordan Ashburn past. The short fast lap made it tough to really gain an advantage and the traffic was constant. When the day was done I took the win ahead of the battling Stu Baylor and Jordan Ashburn.

Mid East XC
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Stu Baylor
3rd: Jordan Ashburn

The NCHSA event was held a short drive up the road near Taylorsville NC.

Taking the hole shot helped me gap GEICO Honda rider Jimmy Jarrett early in the race as he recovered from a poor start. The rocky soil was sketchy on the first lap especially in the fresh section that was still covered in leaves. Visiting Aussie Ash Day kept me in sight on the first lap until Jimmy Jarrett took the position, although Jimmy’s day ended early with some bike problems a few laps later. Ash had his own problems with a violent endo putting a finish to a strong run.

I was ticking off safe, smooth laps at the front with my Vortex Ignition and G2 throttle Cams allowing me to find traction in the at times slick rocks. Another Aussie, Ben Kearney nabbed second when the checkered flag was waving.

NCHSA
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Ben Kearney
3rd: Glenn Drum

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services

[Reckless]

Two wins He'll be as stoked as us!!

Thanks Denhill :yes:

[denill]

Two wins He'll be as stoked as us!!

Thanks Denhill :yes:

Yeah, don't expect ther would a lot of prize money with those events, if any. But I'm inclined to assume he regards riding those events as the best form of training. And if so, I reckon he's right.

He's surely keeping his sponsors happy. :yes: :yes:

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Round 4 South Carolina
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 6th :shit:

Round 4 of the GNCC series turned out to be a disappointing race for myself. I had planned on putting in another good performance like Round 2 of the series where I put my Yamaha in the centre of the box but a poor start didn’t help my cause.
When the green flag waved I was left stranded on the start line, a couple of kicks later I was underway. I latched on to the back of the pack and in the few open turns closed in on the top ten.

The first few miles was pretty dusty and moving up much further was risky until we spread out a little and vision improved. I hooked up with Chris Bach on his Beta and my former teammate Jimmy Jarrett on his GEICO Honda. I got past both of them after a couple of laps but it had taken me too long to make the move and the leaders had already put a sizeable gap on me. I pushed hard to try and reduce that gap but it wasn’t happening. The guys up front were in their own battle and I imagine, able to key off each other and learn the fastest lines. I seemed to be stuck in no man’s land.

The bike was working great and my Kenda tires were finding some great traction but I couldn’t find my way up to that podium. Pretty disappointed with my 6th place. I really need to get up on that box soon and reflect some of the hard work my team is putting in to get me to the line. Still, there are a few races left in the championship and plenty of points still on the table.

1st : Charlie Mullins
2nd: Josh Strang
3rd: Kailub Russell

Paul Whibley is supported by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start up Services

[denill]

Race Report: OMA Round 2, Arkansas

Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st


Round two of the OMA series was held at a new location in Fort Smith, Arkansas. It was a unique venue as it was within the city limits on some old military ground. Storms that had passed through the area that had caused death and destruction across several states had drowned parts of the track and after the Saturday Quad race parts of the track were churned into massive bogs.

I got a good start but not good enough to beat Shane Klemick to the hole shot line. Shane took the money and drowned me in the second turn mud hole. I quickly took the lead and Jimmy Jarrett latched onto my rear wheel and followed my lead as a game like chess began that would last almost to the finish. Both of us were a little wary of how bad the track was going to cut up and neither of us wanted to be the first to find that bottomless rut that could end your day. We both took turns at the front testing different lines and running a conservative pace until Jordan Ashburn began to eat into our lead. Jimmy and I both picked up the pace and the real race to the flag commenced.

The track really cut up in a lot of sections with many of those bottomless ruts snaring a bike and holding it to well after the race. After the gas stop I took the lead and started to edge away from Jimmy with a couple laps to go. I kept an eye on the mud holes and tried to plan my lines a lap in advance and in doing so managed to stay out of trouble and keep the bike rolling. I held it together and took the win, Jimmy remained in second and Jordan filled out the final podium spot.


1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jimmy Jarrett
3rd: Jordan Ashburn

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services

[denill]

Race Report: Virginia Harescramble Series
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 3rd

With the cancellation of Round five of the GNCC series at Loretta Lyn’s in Tennessee due to flooding, a lot of riders looked elsewhere for their racing fix for the weekend. The Virginia Hare scramble Series upped their pay-out to attract some riders to their Martinsville event. Entries came from far and wide with riders from the GNCC, OMA, National Enduro and Eastern Hare Scramble series. I got a good start but got bounced around as we drove straight into the woods off the ine, settling in about 6th.

I followed my teammate Thad Duvall and we made some passes where possible and moved up toward the front. Thad got into 2nd and latched onto enduro rider and local favourite Brad Bakken. It took me too long to make my move into third and I lost contact with the lead duo. I settled into a good pace and tried to ride smooth and mistake free in the tight, rocky in places trail. Another Enduro rider, Nick Fahringer was not too far behind me and he had pressure from visiting Yamaha Australia rider Chris Hollis.

The track was fairly long, coming in at about 15 miles in length we only needed 3 laps to make the two hour event. Thad wasn’t able to make a move on Brad over the last lap and I was not able to make any time on the leaders so the order at the front remained the same at the front. Chris Hollis would eventually put his Yamaha in front of Nick Fahringer before the race was done.

1st: Brad Brakken
2nd: Thad Duvall
3rd: Paul Whibley

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Leatt
Brace

[Shorty_925]

From Cyclenews:

A rocky, hilly course proved too much for a number of competitors at the Motion Pro Hangman Cross-country National, round three of the Parts Unlimited Off-road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals, near Hanging Limb, Tennessee, on Mother's Day. But when it was over, AmPro/FMF Yamaha's Paul Whibley proved stronger and faster than everyone else to notch his second win in a row, followed by teammate Thad Duvall and Obermeyer/AmPro Yamaha's Jordan Ashburn.Paul Whibley

Things didn't start out so well for the three-time and defending series champion, though, as he sat on the line with a few others and could do nothing to prevent KTM-mounted privateer Dustin Gibson from stealing the $200 FMF Holeshot Award.

But Ashburn took the lead not long afterward, giving it up just before the end of the first challenging lap of 11 miles to New Zealand's Rory Mead, who borrowed a YZ450F from Whibley in order to try a few weeks of American racing. Mead surprised quite a few by leading for over an hour.

However, his pit strategy of pitting when Whibley did failed to consider that he might be leading so he set out on a fourth lap without refueling while Whilbley and others came in after three circuits.

Predictably, Mead ran out of fuel on the furthest reaches of the course, turning the lead over to Whibley. Though Duvall made a run at him, he'd damaged the rear wheel severely and downshifted to survival mode on the last lap, gladly settling for second while Ashburn claimed third for the third round in a row. American Honda/GEICO Powersports/JG Off-road's Scott Watkins (whose teammate Jimmy Jarrett crashed out on the second lap) and Husaberg's Nick Fahringer rounded out the top five.

Afterward, Whibley summed it up: "It was just one of those days where you've got to keep plugging away because there was so much rock and danger out there that anything could happen, anything could take you down. I think people had a lot of problems. It was a bit of a survival run." And Whibley was once again the fastest survivor.

And from bikesport: http://www.bikesportnz.com/2011/05/nz-riders-lead-the-way/#more-7685

If Rory pitted, could have been a win in the US for him!

[Ktmboy]

Thats damn awesome for Rory and he's still only 23 I think.
Rory has definately been in a league of his own this year on the NZ circuit and has been riding every day that he can. The next Whibbs perhaps.

[denill]

Race Report: OMA Rnd 3 Tennessee
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

With all the rain and flooding through Tennessee I was expecting a really wet race but conditions were pretty close to perfect.
A poor start left me with some work to do. A bit of a pile up on the first turn and a bottleneck in the first mud hole allowed me to make up some positions quickly. The track was fast in places with a few rocks to keep you on your toes as several riders would find out throughout the day.

I moved up to second by the fuel stop with Rory Mead out front in his first OMA. Katherine and Ryan handled the pit stop with ease and informed me Rory was not too far in front and had not stopped for gas. By their calculations he would not make it back without running out. Sure enough I completed the next lap and was in the lead. I must have past Rory on the side of the track somewhere. Thad Duvall was hot on my heels and we swapped positions as I made a small mistake on a tricky root infested hill climb as I tried to avoid some stuck riders. I retook the lead as Thad pin balled off a few trees on a steep descent.

Going into the last lap I had a five second lead over Thad and the stage was set for a battle over the last 10 miles. But the race never happened and my lead was pushed out to over a minute by the finish as Thad’s bike had suffered some damage in a hard days racing that prevented him from pushing to the flag.

All in all it was a good day for the Am Pro Yamaha team with Thad holding second and Jordan Ashburn on another YZ 450, filling the podium.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Thad Duvall
3rd: Jordan Ashburn

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Leatt
Braces, Race Pace services

[denill]

Race Report: OMA Rnd 4 Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

The latest round of the OMA series was staged in Rio Grande, Ohio. This event is one of the more enjoyable tracks on the circuit with loamy fields and flowing trails through the woods. Some steep hill climbs challenge the riders as did some of the slick sections of trail after the Saturday quad race. The recent rains that have drowned parts of America recently had the track watered to perfection though.
Off the line my YZ fired up fast, combine a Vortex ECU and a Works Connection holeshot device and a great start is all but guaranteed. Taking the holeshot and leading the race until Jimmy Jarrett snuck past on his Honda when I lost the trail momentarily in the fresh single track.

I latched onto Jimmy’s rear wheel and looked for an opportunity to re-take the position. On the second lap I moved into the lead and planned to stay there. Jordan Ashburn was close in 3rd position and both Jimmy and I wanted to keep this a two man race and upped the pace. I managed to put a couple seconds on Jimmy as the race progressed and as I learned the track and felt more comfortable with the pace I was running. By the fuel stop I had enough of a gap that I couldn’t see second. I continued to push hard as anything can happen in a 2 hour race. With the temperatures pushing 90f (+30c) the racing was demanding and as the race wore down so did the competition. I was able to extend my lead to a comfortable margin in the last couple laps and was able to put it on cruise mode to ensure the win was mine.

After the race I learned Jimmy Jarrett had taken a nasty digger and broken his collarbone, allowing my teammate Jordan Ashburn to move into second. Geico Honda rider Scott Watkins took the final podium spot.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jordan Ashburn
3rd: Scott Watkins

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Race
Pace Services

[NordieBoy]

OMA Series points...
http://www.unitedoffroadracing.com/10points_oma.php

GNCC Series points...
http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2011/top20.asp?m=bike

[denill]

OMA Series points...
http://www.unitedoffroadracing.com/10points_oma.php

GNCC Series points...
http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2011/top20.asp?m=bike

Whibs looks good when compared with his AmPro Yamaha team mate Jordan Ashburn. :blink:

[vazza]

Look's like Rory Mead did a OMA round??

[takitimu]

Whibs blasted back on Sunday, first time this season he's had the fastest lap and his last two were not only his fastest, but the fastest two of the day.
A huge win for Paul.

[Shorty_925]

Look's like Rory Mead did a OMA round??

Yep, and a few other races, he got 6th in the enduro he did a couple weeks back(http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2011/05/22/mullins-pockets-train-robber-national-enduro/), he got 8th in his first GNCC race over the weekend on a Honda of all bikes. Maybe picked up a deal while over there..?

Bike results from the latest gncc are : http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2011/class.asp?e=37&c=9999999&r=7

[denill]

Whibs blasted back on Sunday, first time this season he's had the fastest lap and his last two were not only his fastest, but the fastest two of the day.
A huge win for Paul.

Great. And 20 points back.

http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2011/seriespoints.asp?s=5

[Ktmboy]

Yep, and a few other races, he got 6th in the enduro he did a couple weeks back(http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2011/05/22/mullins-pockets-train-robber-national-enduro/), he got 8th in his first GNCC race over the weekend on a Honda of all bikes. Maybe picked up a deal while over there..?

Bike results from the latest gncc are : http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2011/class.asp?e=37&c=9999999&r=7

Rory rode Jimmy Jarrets bike as Jarret was out injured. Not a bad effort to jump onto someone elses bike and then come in 8th.
I think he's coming back for the Riverhead enduro this weekend.

[vazza]

Stoked for Rory, look's like he's doing well!

Chris Birch, Karl Power, Jason Davis, Rory Mead.. All there at the Riverhead Enduro. Gonna be good!

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Round 5, Rock Run, PA
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

With the week leading up to this race spent riding in the rocks, I felt prepared but not overly confident going into the first ever Rock Run GNCC in Pennsylvania.
I got a great jump off the line and took the lead. Charlie Mullins squeezed past as we headed to the woods but I was happy to watch and learn for a while. Although it wasn’t too long before I was back up front when my line through the mud hole was better than Charlie’s. With the lead back with me, I decided to ride smooth and smart as the high speed, rocky track had its fair share of places to create a “damn that was close” moment.
My game plan worked better than anticipated and I opened up a sizable lead over the first couple of laps. With the ground being so hard pack and rocks sticking up at some pretty random angles, smooth was the only way to avoid turning a moment into a race ender. The pit stop was quick and efficient with Katherine handing over goggles, Gary manning the dump can and Scotty and Ryan ready to sort any dramas.
On the third lap of the race Josh Strang made some gains and ate into my lead enough to latch on and start a battle for a lead. We swapped positions that lap when I took a bad line but his second fuel stop allowed me to make another break for it. Over the last couple of laps I upped the pace to try and prevent Josh from sneaking up on me again. With the win in sight taking a couple more risks seemed justified. On the last lap I was able to extend my lead over Josh and laid down my fastest lap of the race.


1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Josh Strang
3rd: Charlie Mullins

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Race
Pace services

[Shorty_925]

Some photos from the event on racer x:

http://www.racerxonline.com/category/photo-galleries

And video : http://vimeo.com/24498595

[denill]

Race Report: MTN Harescramble
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

With a gap in the OMA and GNCC schedule we had an opportunity to hit up a new series that has started not too far from our base in South Carolina. The race was held at the I 81 motorsport facility in Eastern Tennessee.

Starting out on the MX track I took the hole shot and led the way over a couple of doubles before we left the track and headed into the woods. The track was dry and fairly dusty I would imagine but was just fine up front. The track weaved its way into the hills and the first real challenge of the loop appeared in the form of a technical rocky hill climb. The track then led us down the hill in a zig zag fashion before heading out over the creek for a checkpoint and a loop in the woods. Making the most of any dust I kicked up I tried to open a gap over the chasing pack. Scotty gave me a lap time as I passed through scoring, giving me something to shoot for the following lap.

During the second lap of the eight mile track another challenge reared its head. Some of the mud holes had splashed out and laid some water on the hard pack clay creating some extremely slippery spots that I’m sure caught a few guys out. My lap times continued to improve as did my lead.

As the two hour event wore down the rocky hill cut up and snagged a few riders as they attempted to conquer the fast line straight up. With the finish flag waving, taking the win was good prep for the upcoming OMA in Michigan this weekend.

1st Paul Whibley
2nd: Matt Holden
3rd: Landon Smith

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Race
Pace Services

[denill]

Race Report: OMA Round 5 Michigan
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

With the YZF firing up super-fast again thanks to the Vortex Ignition, I grabbed a massive hole shot and took control of the race. I led the way through the 5th gear wide open grass rollers that lead us into the sandy woods. That one section was the only time in the lap where we got to stretch our legs as the majority of the lap was made up of 2nd gear tight “enduro style” woods.

Threading through as smooth as possible was the key to quick times and I concentrated on making as few mistakes as possible. I was able to keep an eye on 2nd place near the end of the lap as I completed a switchback section, confirming Katherine’s pit board that Chris Bach was only 10 seconds behind and pushing hard. With one lap down I tried to up my pace while retaining the smooth flow in the tight trees. I flowed a little too close to one tree resulting in a branch stabbing me in the cheek. I could feel the warm sensation of blood flowing down my face but quickly put that out of my mind and got back to the job at hand. Near the end of the lap again I could see I had picked up a couple seconds over Chris.

I pitted at the completion of the third lap and Scotty and Katherine had me in and out Nascar fast. With three laps remaining I kept up the pace and continued to creep away from Chris. By the time the flag came out I had pushed my lead out to over a minute. My teammate Jordan Ashburn recovered well from a bad start and had moved up to 3rd although he was receiving some pressure from Scotty Watkins on his Honda on the last lap and did well to hold him off.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Chris Bach
3rd: Jordan Ashburn

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Race
Pace services

[NordieBoy]

Ouch! Good stuff.

[denill]

Race Report: Snow Shoe GNCC Round 6
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 6th

Tough day at the office pretty much sums up my Snow Shoe GNCC.
I got a good start and followed the Suzuki of Josh Strang for the first 5 or 6 miles then moved into the lead when the opportunity presented itself. I was riding comfortable and felt good at the front. The track was pretty tough and again this year was made up of 2 loops, a 12 mile east loop we ran first followed by a 12 mile loop on the west side of the mountain. Things were going good up until about the last mile of the first lap when something threw my chain off. In the process handing over the lead and a spot in the top five while I refitted the chain. I got going again and clawed back some time to be in contact with the lead bunch during the west loop.

Into the pits for some gas then back into the action on the east side. This lap was to prove to be the nail in the coffin for my Snow Shoe race with further chain derailments, getting stuck and a good crash that bent the bars pretty good. I was determined not to finish up so far back and pushed as hard as I could with what I had to work with. Avoiding anything that looked like it would snag my chain guide and doing the best I could with the bars that more resembled some crazy art project rather than the controls of a motorcycle. As I scrambled through a slick rock garden on the west loop I past KTM riders Kailub Russell and Cory Buttrick . Also closed in on Nick Fahringer and managed to make a pass later in the lap.

Heading back out on the east loop for the last twelve miles of the race, I also passed my teammate Thad Duvall. Sixth place was not what we had worked so hard for. I guess it’s just one of those days.

1st: Josh Strang
2nd: Nate Kanney
3rd: Stu Baylor

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Race
Pace Services

[NordieBoy]

6th with those issues?

Take it and run!

[denill]

6th with those issues?

Take it and run!

Yep. He's a racer..................

[raglanash]

Go Whib's!
http://www.racerxonline.com/2011/07/11/monday-conversation-paul-whibley

[denill]

Race Report: John Penton GNCC, Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

We were greeted with near perfect conditions at the Penton GNCC. A bonus at this event as in
the past it’s been either a dust bowl or a mud fest.
The Vortex Ignition and Works Connection hole shot device helped me pull a sweet start and I
led the first lap and set a comfortable pace as I learned the track. After scoring, Kailub Russell
passed me on the MX track and set off, trying to make a break for it. On the second lap we ran
through the Penton section for the first time. This was a 3 or 4 mile section of tight second
gear trail that was fresh for our race. Just before we emerged from this section and back onto
what had been used by the morning race, Kailub ran wide on a rocky turn allowing me to
retake the lead. I handed Kailub the lead back when I missed the turn for a line through a mud
hole. This was how the race would unfold for us both as we swapped positions throughout the
entire race.

I held the lead going into the last lap and wanted to open a gap before we got back to the MX
track as I felt Kailub was going a little faster than me on that section. Last time through the
Penton section and a bunch of riders were stuck on a hill, blocking the track. I tried to get
around them but got hung up in some rocks and roots. Kailub got stuck right beside me. The
guys who were blocking the track gave us a hand to get our bikes up and past them. Kailub got
his up first and was gone. I pushed hard and caught back up to him and retook the lead. I kept
the heat on only to have Kailub catch and pass me again only a couple miles from the finish. I
charged as hard as I could and was right on his tail as we came out onto the MX track. I closed
in on the last couple of corners and managed to double past him and hold the inside line
leading into the finishing chicane to take the win.

Congrats to Kailub for his great effort. I think his maiden win is coming very soon.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Kailub Russell
3rd: Josh Strang

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unibiker, Leatt Brace

[Katoomer]

Close race
Rory scored more points too.
XC1 Results:

1. Paul Whibley (Yam)

2. Kailub Russell (KTM)

3. Josh Strang (Suz)

4. Charlie Mullins (KTM)

5. Cory Buttrick (KTM)

6. Thad DuVall (Yam)

7. Nate Kanney (KTM)

8. Rory Mead (Hon)

9. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

10. Nick Fahringer (Hsb)

XC1 Standings:

1. Josh Strang (174/2 wins)

2. Charlie Mullins (160/2 wins)

3. Paul Whibley (149/3 wins)

Shame the 1st round was so bad for Whibs otherwise he wouldn't be so far off the lead.

[Shorty_925]

Found this the other day, not sure if anyone else been watching these, but has a review of each race:

http://www.youtube.com/user/digioffroad#p/a/u/0/oclif8Vsz0M

[denill]

Race Report: NCHSA Round 9, Taylorsville, NC
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

With the summer break from GNCC racing under way we had a spare weekend to race a local North Carolina Hare scramble Series event.

I drew a bad pick of the gate and had the choice of the very outside or on the very inside.
Choosing the inside and banking on the YZ to fire up quick like usual. The plan worked out and I was able to rub shoulders with Jesse Robinson as we rounded turn one and snatch the lead after we crossed the wooded bridge that lead to the woods.
The track was slick on the first lap and the fresh trail was tough to follow but as the second lap began the race really got started.

Jesse was still right on my tail and pushing hard. The trail was tacking up and ruts were
beginning to form. We were soon into lapped riders and passing was a little tough as the main ine was were all the traction was and off that line was also risking clipping an unseen rock. Jesse continued to hound me and was making it an exciting race.

We continued to weave our way through the woods and opened up a gap over the rest of the chasing pack. I got a pit board from Katherine to pit for gas the following lap so I stepped up the pace and was able to open up a small lead. I think Jesse may have gone down and had problems the following lap as once I got away my lead continued to grow lap after lap. With the white flag coming out and a safe lead, the final lap was completed safely.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jesse Robinson
3rd: Robby Norwood

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
aper, Race Pace Services, Unibiker, Leatt Brace,
Tireballs.

[denill]

Race Report: IXCR Round 3
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

With the OMA round in Minnesota looming along with the 18 hour drive we decided to break the trip up and head north early to a friend’s place near Indianapolis and hit an Indiana Cross Country race on the way.

Conditions were pretty warm and the track was dry. During the track description we were told “off the start we will head down across the creek and into the dusty section, and you will come out of that dusty section when you see the checkered flag.” That was one of the most straight up, no sugar coated description that I had ever heard. That track was dusty but in all fairness the tight nature and subsequent low speeds of most of the track made the dust not too scary to race in.

I grabbed the hole shot and led the way. The first lap resembled a dry OMA Moose Run with some fresh tracks through a lot of weeds that hid a plethora of branches and logs just waiting to take you down. I’m told all the damage was from a recent tornado. One thing they didn’t tell us in the track description was how slick the rock would be in one of the creek crossings. On the first lap I could see it would be slippery and was super cautious but still went down as I tried to turn slightly on the slab rock as I headed for the bank. It was so slick standing was even tough. Every lap I came through, there were several riders picking up their bikes.

The temperatures were pretty warm and I was glad to have on my EC3D compression gear that adds cooling. Several guys I heard suffered from heat exhaustion during and after the race. Taking the win then heading off to the lake to take a dip and cool down.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Christopher Douglas
3rd: John Machino

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace,
Tire Balls

[GPS MAN]

Good ride and Good finish!!

[Katoomer]

GNCC back after the summer break.

New Berlin, NY (September 11, 2011) - Charlie Mullins climbed back into contention for this year's XC1 title with an impressive win at the Can-Am Unadilla GNCC in New Berlin, New York - round 10 of the 2011 Can-Am Grand National Cross Series.

Mullins trailed FMF/Makita Suzuki's Josh Strang by 14 points in the championship standings coming into the New York round. However, Strang was involved in a first-lap crash with FMF/KTM's Cory Buttrick, which left Strang's bike with a bent sprocket. It took three laps before the defending series champ was able to rejoin the race and at the end of the day he was only able to manage a 13th place finish. The combination of Strang's 13th place finish and Mullins' victory amounted to a 22-point swing in the title chase, and with five rounds remaining in the series Mullins now holds an eight-point lead in the standings over Strang, 190 to 182.

With rain threatening overhead, Am Pro Yamaha's Paul Whibley kicked off the Unadilla race by grabbing the $250 Motosport.com Holeshot Award at the start. Mullins was quickly into the lead before the end of the lap followed closely by Kailub Russell as the FMF/KTM teammates engaged in a fierce battle that carried then clear of the rest of the field.
Kailub Russell was second after leading early on.
Mullins and Russell traded the lead several times over the course of the first few laps before Mullins picked up the pace at the midway point and broke free of the XC1-class rookie. From that point on, Mullins rode a lonely and solitary race out front while Russell did the same in second.

Behind the two front-runners, Beta rider Chris Bach settled into a solid third after the start and held the position for most of the race. However, just before the two-lap board came out, Bach came under fire from WMR Racing/Clockwork/Planet Fitness KTM's Nate Kanney, who ended up making a pass on Bach. Whibley also pulled within striking distance of Bach and made a pass, before doing the same to Kanney to slip into third.

At the finish, Mullins took the win with a little over a minute to spare over Russell, while Whibley rounded out the podium ahead of Kanney and Bach.

"A boring race is a fun race as long as I'm in the lead," said Mullins. "Kailub passed me coming out of the pits and his pace was pretty fast and I knew we were pulling away from everyone so I settled in behind him and then when I decided to go I just made a pass and from there I just kind of checked out and rode my own race."

Mullins had a bird's eye view of the Strang/Buttrick pass just after the start of the race.
Paul Whibley rounded out the podium.
"It was unfortunate what happened to Strang and Buttrick," added Mullins. "I saw it and it was the worst crash I've seen in a long time. I hate to see that happen to anyone and I don't like to profit from things like that but I was able to make up some points and with five races left it's going to end up being a good battle."

XC1 Results:

1. Charlie Mullins (KTM)

2. Kailub Russell (KTM)

3. Paul Whibley (Yam)

4. Nate Kanney (KTM)

5. Chris Bach (Beta)

6. Jimmy Jarrett (Hon)

7. Jedidiah Haines (Kaw)

8. Rory Mead (Hon)

9. Mike Lafferty (Hsb)

10. Kenny Gilbert (KTM)



XC1 Standings:

1. Charlie Mullins (190/3 wins)

2. Josh Strang (182/2 wins)

3. Paul Whibley (170/3 wins)

4. Kailub Russell (134)

5. Nate Kanney (129)

6. Cory Buttrick (110)

7. Chris Bach (96)

8. Mike Lafferty (76)

9. Jimmy Jarrett (75)

10. Kenny Gilbert (66)

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Round 9 Somerset PA
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 2nd

The Somerset GNCC is another tough rocky event in a similar vein to the Snow Shoe GNCC. With the wave of the green flag the silence on the start line was shattered as the XC1 class roared towards turn one. I took the hole shot and led the way until Josh Strang moved past on a fast section. We hit the first mud hole in the woods and bikes were going everywhere as the quads had made lines in every direction.

The order got a big time shuffle and Im not sure what position I came out in or who was leading anymore. I think it was on the second lap I ate it when the front hit an unseen rock. Picking the bike up Nate Kanney went by and I latched onto
him for most of the race. He was a little faster than me in the rock gardens but I was able to match his speed by mirroring his lines. I seemed a little quicker in the open fields but struggled to make a pass in the 2 or 3 mile section before we were back into the rocks. I got pit boards from Katherine and Scotty as the race wound down that I was in 5th.

I had tried a few unsuccessful moves on Nate during the race and it was coming down to the last lap to make something stick, going through scoring on the last lap right on his tail. As we exited the pits for the last time I got a pit board from Katherine, if I could pass Nate I would be third. It seems Strang had brake problems and had to pit. Although Josh left the pits right behind me and we
both hounded Nate, hungry for the final podium position. With about 5 miles to go we caught Kailub Russell who was running second but a crash had slowed his pace.

We gobbled him up, now the battle was for second. Half a mile before the finish line I slid up the inside of Nate in a do or die effort to get past. It worked but I could tell Nate wasn’t too happy about it. On the last turns before the finish Nate came in hot and tried to go round the outside. He went down into the banners. I had second and Josh inherited 3rd with Nate picking his KTM up for 4th


1st: Charlie Mullins
2nd: Paul Whibley
3rd: Josh Strang

[NordieBoy]

Half a mile before the finish line I slid up the inside of Nate in a do or die effort to get past. It worked but I could tell Nate wasn’t too happy about it.

Sounds like Nate is a racer too :yes::scooter:

[raglanash]

Powerline Park
St. Clairsville, OH - Round 12
XC1 Pro - Class Results
Place Nbr Name Hometown Brand Laps Elapsed
1 557 KAILUB K RUSSELL
2 112 CHARLES MULLINS
3 989 THADDEUS DUVALL
4 003 PAUL WHIBLEY
5 001 JOSHUA V STRANG
6 044 JIMMY JARRETT
7 118 MIKE LAFFERTY
8 116 NATHAN KANNEY
9 009 JESSE ROBINSON
10 012 SCOTT WATKINS

[denill]

Pauls race report from St Clairsville GNCC. It was a tough race right through until the finish. As you can view on the link below. He caught up to and was racing his team mate Thad to the finish, with Paul coming off 2nd best to a tree. Paul got that bike to the finish line though, then collapsed from the pain. He ended up with a dead thigh but is doing ok just pretty sore, swollen and stiff as unable to bend that thigh.

Check out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_35MXfKmm-Y&feature=youtu.be&t=4m44s


Race Report: St Clairsville GNCC Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 4th

The green flag flew and the YZF fired up quickly again. I spun a little on the line and wasn’t first into the turn but dove up the inside of Charlie Mullins and crossed the hole shot line first. I ran a little deep into turn two, dropping to 3rd behind Mullins and Kailub Russell. I spent the first couple of laps chasing the two KTMs as they set a fast pace. I ended up taking a bad line around a mud hole and lost some time. I pumped up pushing too hard trying to make up the gap. I fell back into a battle with Josh Strang and Thad Duvall. Both of them moved by me during the middle of the race but after coming in for gas I began to loosen up and ride better.

I worked my way forward again and going into the last lap had regained third position with Josh hot on my heels and Thad a little further back. With about 5 miles to go a couple of lapped riders crashed right in front of me blocking the track sending Josh and myself careening off the track. Thad was back far enough to avoid the chaos and inherited 3rd.

I remounted just behind Josh and we both set off after Thad. Josh and I swapped positions several times over the last few miles but I was able to sneak ahead after the final mud hole when we were both momentarily stuck side by side. I reeled in Thad over the last mile and coming to the grass track section before the finish, began to work inside to outside to set up a pass. I pulled up along side him coming to the final turn but I was on the outside.

Thad controlled the corner and closed the door just in time. I was already committed to my line and had nowhere else to go but slam into a tree. I hit pretty hard but got back up quickly and managed to stay in front of Josh. It would have been good to finish closer to Charlie and minimise the points he put on me in the championship chase but 4th place is not too bad.


1st: Kailub Russell
2nd: Charlie Mullins
3rd: Thad Duvall
4th: Paul Whibley



Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace,
Tire Balls

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Round 11, Ironman, IN
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 3rd

Rain during the week had the track primed and in perfect shape for the Ironman event.
The race started out well with a good start almost taking the hole shot but a kamikaze shot at
the line by another rider took the award. I led the way at various times over the first lap but
the order and lead changed often with different lines through mud holes and river crossings
mixing it up. Charlie Mullins stepped it up late in the lap and took control and opened up a lead
that he would never relinquish. I settled into second place after my arm pump eased.

Think I pumped up a little more than usual as a result of soaking my gloves in one of the deep creek
crossings. With my gloves drying and my arms relaxing I got into a groove and began to put in
some good laps. I caught up to Charlie in the middle of the race and was looking forward to a
battle right down to the wire. Unfortunately a lapper that moved over for Charlie I think didn’t
realize I was right there, pulled back onto the track in front of me, sending me off into the
sticks. Getting back on track and into the chase, I maintained my position although the
resulting loss in time I was never able to regain. Charlie was riding great and had the race well
under control over the last couple of laps.

The Kiwis on tour that enjoyed racing and spectating at the OMA last weekend took on the
Ironman GNCC as well. Racing in the morning event and checking out the pro action in the
afternoon. A great experience was had by all and I’m sure the whole spectacle was a real eye
opener.


1st: Charlie Mullins
2nd: Thad Duvall
3rd: Paul Whibley

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace,
Tire Balls, bikesportnz.com

[NordieBoy]

1234567890
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/JGPFkRjyg9M?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[denill]

Race Report: OMA Round 10, Moose Run, Illinois
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

Cool temperatures and a stiff breeze with the threat of rain was not a real inviting climate to hold a race, and then add to that your lining up for the Moose Run. Two laps of twisted entertainment for Bill Gusse, the OMA series promoter. I got a good jump off the line and rounded the first turn in front but Adam Bonneur swept round the outside of the wide open corn field, taking the hole shot.


I moved back into the lead quickly and led the way around the peat bogs, taking safe lines, not wanting to end my race before it had begun. I held a small lead as we ventured off the quad track and out into the woods. It is very difficult to maintain a breakaway in this race, (kinda like at the Tour de France), as the track is so fresh and you are constantly searching for the arrows. Still it was my own personal challenge to see how long I could keep the gap. I made it about half of the 38 mile lap before Jimmy Jarrett and the chasing pack latched back on.


As we closed in on the end of the first lap and we came back to the quad track I again started to open a gap. The pit crew was three Kiwis strong with friend Nick, Katherine and Scotty gassing me up then into the second lap. The track had now been broke in and the myriad of logs that Bill meticulously places on every angle known to man are now exposed for all to see. To add to the debauchery it starts to rain.

Mid last lap I get stuck in a deep rut and Jimmy pulls up and passes me. I get going again and shortly Jimmy has his own problems with a log allowing me back into the lead. I again built a gap that I would mature to a minute thirty by the flag, taking my 9th win in a row to close out the OMA season for 2011. A big thanks to Katherine and Scotty for their hard work and all the sponsors for their contribution in gaining this championship.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jimmy Jarrett
3rd: Scott Watkins

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace,
Tire Balls, bikesportnz.com, O’Brien

[raglanash]

Looks like it's all over?? 1st on Friday then 3rd on Sunday. 2nd overall for 2011.
Well done Whib's.
Good to see Toby Price right up there this weekend as well.

[denill]

Race Report: Lorretta Lyns GNCC, Round 12 & 13
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st, 3rd

With two rounds cancelled earlier in the season due to flooding and bad weather, a double
header weekend at Lorretta Lynns was planned to make up the events.

The racing was intense right of the bat with plenty of rubbing going into turn one. Josh Strang
came up the inside of me and hit me pretty good bending my gear lever almost beyond use.
My good start evaporated when I went to shift up and couldn’t find the gear lever with my
foot, everyone else was hooking gears and flew past me. I eventually found that by taking my
foot off the peg and pointing my toes in I could shift. I rode most of the lap in third but
surprisingly I wasn’t loosing time and even made some passes.

I was going to stop in the pits next time through but decided to persevere for a couple laps then
we could gas and fix the lever at the same time. The gamble paid off as I wasn’t too far back at
the gas stop and with the lever bent back to a useful position I was back in the race. I worked
my way forward and moved into second and eating into Charlie Mullins lead. With a lap and a half to go lady luck
swung our way with Charlie dropping out with bike problems. Taking the win meant moving up
to second overall in the points and tearing a big chunk out of Charlie’s championship lead.

The start on the second day was a carbon copy of the first with Strang hitting me again, a quick
check of the gear lever and all seemed good, leaping to an early lead crossing the creek. I felt
good up front and knew it was where I needed to be but was struggling with the suspension
setup. I couldn’t push hard without risking a crash and just before the end of the lap Mullins
came by. I maintained second for a couple more laps until Kailub Russell took the position. I
regained second briefly after Kailub went down on a deteriorating track but he recovered
quickly and retook the position a lap later. Finishing the race in third and securing second in
the championship.

A huge Thank You to Katherine, Scotty and Gary, the whole AmPro Yamaha team and all the
great sponsors and supporters for making this possible.

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace,
Tire Balls, bikesportnz.com

[secondfield]

Jeez, one might almost be forgiven for thinking that Strang was trying to take our mate out in the last rounds. Lil aussie turd..:bleh:

[oldguy]

Congrats on the #2

Josh Strang
came up the inside of me and hit me pretty good bending my gear lever almost beyond use.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4-KrJqLZaF8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[secondfield]

Congrats on the #2

Josh Strang
came up the inside of me and hit me pretty good bending my gear lever almost beyond use.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4-KrJqLZaF8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Well, maybe not Strangs fault that time :woohoo:, any footage of the second hit, next race?

[oldguy]

Well, maybe not Strangs fault that time :woohoo:, any footage of the second hit, next race?

No, but this is a good watch
2011 Loretta Lynn GNCC Bikes - Friday

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IMaDNcNai68" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[raglanash]

Looks like there is a movie coming out, a week with Whibs.
Here's the trailer.

http://www.offroadviking.com/crossrut_whibs_preview.shtm

[NordieBoy]

Brutal! :woohoo:

[denill]

Race Report: NZ GNCC, Maddix Park Tauranga
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha/Sargent MC
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st

I just received my new YZ 450 with enough time to set it up, a quick ride then head north to the latest round of the NZ GNCC series at Maddix Park. The forecast was good but rain overnight turned the track to a mix of super slick clay and soft dirt. I started on the second row about 30 seconds behind the leaders but charged my way forward and had taken the lead just before a lap was completed. The bike was working good with the base set up I had used in the states dealing to NZ conditions as well.

The track deteriorated fast in several sections and by the second lap bottle necks and some deep ruts were providing plenty to keep riders minds on the job. I was able to continue to extend my lead but the conditions on track meant it could dissapear at any time with a slip up on the slick clay or getting wedged in a rut. An early pit stop was needed with the thick heavy dirt using more than normal gas. Thanks to Sean Clarke for manning the IMS dumpcan and helping Katherine with the pit stop. It was good to be back on the bike again after taking a break from racing at the close of the US season.

A little Enduro X section near the pits also kept the spectators and pit crew entertained with many riders coming undone on the slippery logs. The track was really enjoyable and challenging and was a credit to the track crew for keeping the tough sections in and giving a hand to those that needed it.
At the close of the 2 hour 30 minute event I had a good lead and all had gone to plan.

I'm currently at Justin Heke's place (my trainer) to begining training for the 2012 season and working on some new ideas to keep me at the pointy end of the feild.

[denill]

<a href=http://nz.mg261.mail.yahoo.com/ya/download?fid=Inbox&mid=1_226904_AGtgbHwAAATgTu2CMAlx5mJlg1A&pid=2&tnef=&YY=1324189390174&file_name=2011-12-15%2008%2053%2001.jpg>Whibs made the DirtBike cover:</A>

[NordieBoy]

Where's he racing next?

[oldguy]

Josh Strang #2, I thought the axeman Whibs move up one, so is he still carrying the #3?