Whibley GNCC

[raglanash]

Tuesday, March 04, 2008



David Knight pulled a monster lead and a massive win at the Parts Unlimited Triton GNCC. Once Knight passed early leaders Travis Pastrana and Nathan Kanney, he checked out and never stopped charging. Why? According to Knight, the track got easier as you went faster, because you needed to float over the sand whoops and the roots. So he kept charging and charging and was pretty darned spent at the end.

But that was nothing compared to Jimmy Jarrett and Garrett Edmisten, who finished second and third and were way tired at the finish. Barry Hawk battled Edmisten right to the finish for fourth, with Paul Whibley fifth.

Yamaha swept the XC2 Lites class with Thad DuVall on his Am-Pro Yamaha taking the win, and Monster Energy/Andrews Racing Yamaha teammates Josh Weisenfels and Dustin Gibson taking second and third.

[takitimu]

Be great to get this on TV, wish Sky would turn the Rugby Channel into the Rugby / Motorsport channel.

[FlangMasterJ]

Where did Pastrana come in?

Is he doing the whole series?

[Quicker_with_age]

Travis only planned to compete in the one round I believe. He came 17th overall 12th in his class.

[raglanash]

Mullins Takes the General

Sunday, March 09, 2008



FMF Suzuki's Charlie Mullins bounced back big after a tough day at the GNCC season opener in Florida to win series round two, the Maxxis General GNCC in Washington, Georgia. Mullins followed Red Bull KTM's Nathan Kanney through the first two laps as the pair made a two-man break away, opening a gap of over a minute over the rest of the field. GNCC Champion David Knight climbed into the number-three position, but he was never able to close the gap, and in fact lost some time throughout the race. Halfway through, Mullins passed Kanney, and while Kanney chased "Hot Rod" all the way to the end, he wasn't able to get into passing position.

FMF Suzuki riders Paul Whibley and Jimmy Jarrett finished fourth and fifth in front of Barry Hawk, who grabbed the Racer X Holeshot Award but made a few mistakes on the first lap.

In XC2, Am-Pro Yamaha's Thad DuVall romped to his second-straight win, with Monster Energy Kawasaki's Andrew Matusek taking second in just his second pro race. Monster Andrews Yamaha rider Dustin Gibson overcame a first-turn crash to take third.

Look for more here later as we post stories and photos right here on GNCCRacing.com

[takitimu]

Race Report, Rnd 2 GNCC Georgia.
Rider, Paul Whibley.
Team, FMF Suzuki.
Bike, Suzuki RMZ 450
Result, 4th

Four days after round one we lined up on the red clay soils of Georgia for Rnd 2. A drop in temperature and some rain brought about some different racing conditions than we encountered in Florida. I was so impressed with my suspension that Rob had dished for the sand that I decided to run the same setting for the clay.
From the start my bike fired quickly but I got pushed wide and ended up at the back of the pro feild. Moving up was difficult as there were a lot of bog holes and different lines. The team had some man power out in the feild pionting lines which helped a lot. The track got pretty wide in places so it was difficult to pick the fastest and safest route without the help from the crew. My lines begain to come together as the race progressed and I begain to move up through the pack. I got into a brief battle with my teammates Jimmy Jarrett and Josh Strang before moving on, chasing Knighter in 3rd. Late in the race I was making time on Knighter but on the last lap I got roosted hard by a lapper, jamming my goggles. After taking some time to clear my sight I got back into my rythem but had lost some of the time I had made up.
I ended the race in 4th place, I was again happy with the flawless performance of the RMZ 450 and look forward to returning to the podium soon.

[raglanash]

Knight and DuVall in North Carolina

Sunday, March 30, 2008



If you checked the results live right here at www.gnccracing.com, you saw David Knight overcome a challenge from Barry Hawk to top the FMF Steele Creek GNCC in Morganton, North Carolina. Hawk ended up second, with a furious battle between nearly the entire FMF Suzuki team for third. Paul Whibley ended up third ahead of Josh Strang, Jimmy Jarrett and Charlie Mullins.

Thad DuVall romped to his third-straight win in XC2, with Kailub Russell notching his first career podium with second and Dustin Gibson mounting another come-from-behind run for third.

Look for more information on the site here--live results will be available until 6 p.m. EST.

[Danger]

Good going by Whibsy! Thanks for the update.

[takitimu]

Paul got 4th, with Suzuki 2,3,4 . Knight was fast really fast he was in the second batch of riders 10 minutes into the race & was up to 4th by the end of the 4th lap, awesome looking track pretty much like Whangamata, though wider & drier, mind you with 600 riders going around 6 odd times it needs that width :).

From gnccracing.com

Red Bull KTM's David Knight mounted yet another come-from-behind charge to win the Pirelli Big Buck GNCC, giving the defending Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Champion three wins in the first four rounds of racing this season. Under near perfect weather conditions, the Isle of Man native topped FMF Suzuki Teammates Josh Strang, of Australia, and Charlie Mullins, from Ohio.

Another Suzuki rider, New Zealand's Paul Whibley, led a close pack of riders just outside of the podium positions to take fourth.

[denill]

Whibs is <a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/seriespoints.asp?s=5>Currently 3rd Overall:</A> in the series! :yes: :yes:


Race Report: Round 4, GNCC, South Carolina
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF, Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 4th

Off the line my RMZ fired up quickly driving me around the first turn with the leaders. By turn two I had moved to 4th position.
The first woods section was tight, slick hard pack and I didn't feel comfortable with these conditions. I tried to ride relaxed and get into a flow but struggled and began to tighten up. I was able to hang with the top three for most of the first lap but as my armpump grew I had to back off to avoid crashing. I fell back and got into a race with Glenn Kearney, Jason Raines and Shane Watts. By the fuel stop I had dropped to 8th with armpump beginning to subside I could start to push hard and began chasing down the leaders. I past Wattsy and moved by Jason after he went down on a slick log. I lined up Glenn on the second to last lap, making a move at the end of a straight sweeping around the outside. By the start of the last lap I had Nate Kanney in my sights and mid lap I had made the pass and moved up to 4th. I continued to push hard, not knowing how close I was to 3rd placed Charlie Mullins. By the chequers I had closed the gap to about eighteen seconds but had to settle for 4th.

1- D. Knight
2- J. Strang
3- C. Mullins
4- P. Whibley
5- N. Kanney

<a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/overall.asp?e=32&r=4&s=5>Full Results:</A>

One week earlier I raced Round one of the OMA series. With a good start I was following Jimmy Jarrett on lap one in 2nd position. Jimmy set a good pace and we put a small gap over 3rd. On the trail we encountered a lapped rider stuck blocking the track. Jimmy dismounted and helped push the kids bike over the rooty obstacle while I held Jimmys bike for him. Meanwhile the pack caught us and pushed past, relegating Jimmy and I outside the top five. We got going again and got on a mission. By the third lap Jimmy was up to 2nd behind Charlie Mullins and I was a distant 3rd. I past Jimmy when he crashed over a drop off. I set about reeling in Charlie. He had built about a 40 second lead. I got it down to 5 seconds but ran out of laps so had to take 2nd.

1- C. Mullins
2- P. Whibley
3- J. Jarrett
4- J. Strang
5- B. Garrahan

[denill]

Race Report Team - FMF Suzuki:
Loretta Lynn's GNCC in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee:
Bike: RMZ 450
Rider: Paul Whibley
Result: 6th

It was one of those days when things don't go quite to plan.
Right from the start it took two kicks for my bike to fire which left me at the back of the pro field going into the woods. I was riding a little tight in the rocky hard pack conditions and a couple of earlier passing attempts with dodgy outcomes only served to increase my arm pump.

I missed the pit board signal to "gas now" which led to a confusing first pit stop. But I was soon back on the track, with my arm pump easing I was able to push on and begin to make some passes. On the fourth lap I moved up to 7th passing team mate Jimmy Jarrett. More dramas occured when I came into the pits for the second fuel stop. As I entered pit row I passed a lapped rider, he moved over to the tent side of pit row. I came to the Suzuki tent and pulled in to receive gas. Unbeknown to me, the lapped rider must not of known I was coming in for fuel and clipped my rear wheel as I stopped for gas.

Mid fuel stop the guy lauches himself at us, blowing me off my bike and knocking the bike over. I was a little pissed off and would have had words with the guy if it wasn't mid race, (although the Suzuki crew gave enough words on my behalf). I got back into the race and caught back up to Nate Kanney on the second to last lap. We got on a mission and passed each other several times on the last lap. We pushed each other along and both caught and passed Jason Raines. Nate got the better of me when I got cross rutted on a hill climb trying to avoid a stuck lapped rider.

It was fun racing with Nate on the last lap and a good way to finish the race. 6th position was not what I was hoping for but I am still in 3rd place in the overall points.

1st- D. Knight
2nd- J. Strang
3rd- C. Mullins
4th- G. Kearney
5th- N. Kanney
6th- P. Whibley

<a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/seriespoints.asp?r=5&e=38&c=65&s=5>Series Points Here:</A>

[denill]

Kentucky OMA National.

Team FMF/Suzuki Off-road didn't sweep the Sidi Indian Bluff Cross-country, round two of the Parts Unlimited Off-road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals at the Royal ATV Trails park near Millerstown, Kentucky.

But like round one, Charlie Mullins led teammate Paul Whibley to a Suzuki 1-2 on a tight, technical course made even more demanding by a storm two days before. They finished 50 seconds apart, with Mullins on his Maxima/Dunlop/THOR-sponsored RM250 completing six grueling laps in two hours, 28 minutes and seven seconds over Whibley and his DP Brakes/Zip-Ty Racing/Moose RM-Z450.

Mullins got it started by stealing the $200 Vemar Helmets Holeshot Award in the event co-sanctioned with the local Kentucky Off-road Hare Scrambles circuit, but Garrahan badgered him enough that Mullins yielded on the first lap. "He was picking really good lines so I just followed him," Mullins said. "I think I got around him [on] the second lap and made it stick and tried to pull away."

After that, Mullins stayed in front and largely out of trouble until the fifth lap when he got stuck momentarily in a mud hole. By that time, Whibley owned second spot and closed ground, but when Mullins turned around and spotted him on the grass track section, the eventual winner clicked it up a notch and put more distance on his teammate.

Whibley had to work his way up after falling a couple times on the opening lap and having to fight through armpump due to riding with muddy gloves. Once he exchanged those for fresh gloves, he began to flow and eventually made it up into second place. "It was kind of fun; it was kind of pretty tight and hard work," he acknowledged.

[Danger]

Another good result for the RM250 and a great result for Paul!
Thanks for the update.

[denill]

Whibs Writes In:

Race report: Round 2 OMA Series
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 2nd

Round 2 of the OMA series was held in Millerstown, Kentucky.
Plenty of rain on Friday had left the track drowned. Watching the quads struggling around with a head to toe coating of slop allowed a glimpse of what we could expect for Sunday.

Off the line Charlie Mullins and Brian Garrahan battle it out for the lead. We entered the woods and into the tighter than normal conditions.

Passing was tough, I was in about 5th and seemingly not making any headway. I clipped a tree with my bars and was sent off the track and into another tree. Picking myself up before too many riders passed me. I followed Jimmy Jarrett and he did the same, pinballing off some trees and going down. I went down again shortly after when I crossed an old track, I tried to turn on the track but went down hard. I had mistaken the solid, slippery rock for dirt. I got going again and some how worked my way up to 3rd by the lap end, although Charlie and Brian had gapped me.

The going was tough with long rutts forming in the soft, fresh soil. At the pit stop I traded out wet muddy gloves and got new goggles as vines had pulled half my lense out of the goggle frame. I began to reel in Brian and made a pass on the second to last lap. I had also narrowed the gap to Charlie to 10 seconds going into the last lap, but that was as close as I could get, with some bad lines on the last lap and Charlies' skill in the tight conditions secured him the win and held me to 2nd.

1st- C. Mullins
2nd- P. Whibley
3rd- B. Garrahan
4th- J. Jarrett

[Katoomer]

Whibs won another. The Penton GNCC was a mudder and Whibs is pretty good in those conditions :


Whibley Leads Suzuki Sweep at The Wiseco John Penton

Sunday, May 11, 2008



Whibley, Strang, Jarrett Lead Suzuki GNCC Sweep at Ohio Mudder
DuVall Again in XC2




One of the muddiest, toughest Can-Am Grand National Cross Country races ever ended up with a surprise finish and a podium sweep for the FMF Suzuki team. New Zealand’s Paul Whibley made a pass on his teammate Josh Strang on the last lap to take the win at the Wiseco John Penton GNCC, with Ohio’s own Suzuki talent Jimmy Jarrett third. Strang led most of the race, and he had no idea how or where Whibley got by him, just as Whibley had no idea how he took the lead.



“I think this was the muddiest, sloppiest race I’ve ever been in,” said Whibley, a veteran of off-road racing around the world. “I don’t even know what happened. I thought I was in maybe third, and I got the pit board that said Josh :52, and I thought that meant he was catching me. I guess he was ahead and I passed him somewhere.”



Strang was confused and dejected after missing his chance for a first GNCC victory, instead taking second for the third-straight race. Regardless of order, the event marked a 1-2 finish for the new EFI Suzuki RM-Z450. Jarrett, who took the Racer X Holeshot Award, rounded out the podium on his RM250.



Series leader David Knight rode fast through the mud and water, but eventually took in enough of it through his airbox to slow his bike. At one point he climbed to second and looked ready to challenge Strang, until his machine stalled. Later he had stop in the pits for a new filter, as did his teammate Nathan Kanney, and those problems cost the duo a few positions. Unofficially, Knight was credited with fourth, with Am-Pro Yamaha’s Jason Raines in fifth.

[takitimu]

Real nice result for Whib's & the Suzuki team, been a good season for the 450-EFI's.

[denill]

Whibs second win in GNCC - as just as modest.

Race Report: Rnd 6 GNCC Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st

What a race. The conditions were horrible, the mortality rate was extreme and the finishers list was short. One team stood out in the slop. Team FMF Suzuki swept the podium. I took home the win, Josh Strang was second and Jimmy Jarrett completed the yellow domination.

It was a strange race with riders being covered in head to toe mud, it was hard to pick out who was who.
I got a good start but collided with someone on the first turn and got stood up, losing my position. I got completely filled in early in the lap and removed my goggles. Riders were going down like flies, crashing, getting stuck, or drowning their bike in the deep water filled ruts.

My gloves got covered in the slick clay mud and I soon struggled with the controls. At the end of lap 1, I pulled into the pits for gloves and goggles. I was told I had a good lead over Josh and Jimmy but I didn't work out that they meant I was leading the race. Lap 2 completed and I was in for gloves and goggles again, this time it was confirmed to me that I was leading. The track was cutting up bad and lines were forming everywhere, it was a real lottery to try a new line if it would be faster and safe, or slower and impassable. On the third lap I was directed around some bottleneck and ended up completely lost. By the time I found the track again I had dropped to 4th. I didn't know who was in front and how much time I had lost.

After gassing I was told Nate Kanney was just in front of me. I caught and passed him quickly but he got me back later in the lap on a better line. I caught him again and made a pass when he had bike problems and came to a stop. Two laps to go and Knighter was having problems. I must have passed him out on the track somewhere, but it was hard to tell who was who by now, it didn't help that my eyes were so full of mud everything had a brown tinge. Last lap I got a pit board "Josh 50 sec".
I thought this meant that he was catching me. So I pinned it, thinking I was in third and not wanting to let go of the final podium spot.

At one point I thought I saw Josh behind me and thought "shit he has caught me". I rode as hard as I could to the end, crossing the line to cheers from the crowd. Katherine told me I had won. I was stunned, it seemed unreal.
After the race I was told Josh had been leading and that I must have passed him somewhere and that Knighter had dropped right back with bike problems.

Big thanks to the Suzuki team for all their support. My mechanic Dan for doing a great job with the bike and Katherine for keeping it all together.

<a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/overall.asp?e=44&r=6&s=5>Full Results:</A>

[denill]

That fabulous effort has resulted in Whibs <a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/seriespoints.asp?s=5>Moving Up To Second Overall!!</A> :2thumbsup :2thumbsup

[raglanash]

Pictures are up. Some classic mud shots!! Go Whibs!!
You know he passed me once......... haha.
http://www.gnccracing.com/photos/2008/006_PentonBikes/album/

[denill]

Pictures are up. Some classic mud shots!! Go Whibs!!
You know he passed me once......... haha.
http://www.gnccracing.com/photos/2008/006_PentonBikes/album/


Thanks for the pics Mate.

Mud? Just a normal Pahiatua off road event. No wonder Whibs won it :yes: :yes:

[raglanash]

Interview here.
http://www.racerpress.com/newsmanager/templates/?a=703&z=15

[denill]

Interview here.
http://www.racerpress.com/newsmanager/templates/?a=703&z=15

That was a great read, thanks.

Whibs is to my mind quite a legend. Quiet and unassuming, he just does the business. Here he has done it on a BIG stage..............

Just another of the HUGELY unsung motorcycle sport heroes in New Zealand.:mad:

[raglanash]

That was a great read, thanks.

Whibs is to my mind quite a legend. Quiet and unassuming, he just does the business. Here he has done it on a BIG stage..............

Just another of the HUGELY unsung motorcycle sport heroes in New Zealand.:mad:

Yeah ya gotta love the modest guy eh. This article was also on racerx website, he will be getting heaps of press now and a good rep with the yanks. Great for next season getting sponsors etc, hope he cracks it!
Raced him once in the Raglan rocx, passed me on the 6th lap, i hung on for 4 corners then he was gone, those fast guys really put it on the line eh, fully committed and they keep it up all day long, mucho mucho respect.
They are on a whole other level.

[jimmy 2006]

communication in the pits seems a bit dodgy??

[denill]

This article was also on racerx website, he will be getting heaps of press now and a good rep with the yanks. Great for next season getting sponsors etc, hope he cracks it!

I have been given to understand (to my surprise) that unlike the MX guys, he gets paid shit. Even as a Suzuki rider???? :shit:

Any one know more?

[denill]

Race Report: Rnd 3 OMA xc series

Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st

The whole FMF Suzuki team was out in force again at rnd 3 of the OMA series and this time we were joined by most of the Factory KTM riders.
Off the line I got a good jump and came out of turn one in second behind Jimmy Jarrett and missed out on the $200 dollar holeshot by about a wheel. In the grass track section before we dropped into the woods I moved into the lead. I was riding comfortable and enjoying the fresh trails.
For those of you who are not familiar with the OMA races, the trails are mostly marked out by walking through the woods with a staple gun and banging arrows to trees. So as the race progresses the trails improve, become more visable, and cut up with some nice ruts.

Part way through lap one in the tight section I missed a turn and ran wide into some vines and undergrowth allowing Nate Kanney on his KTM 300 to take over up front. Nate led most of the lap but I regained the lead after I jumped past him over a creek. The bike was handling well with the freshly serviced RG3 suspension and I was able to hold a good pace and pulled a small lead on lap 2. I knew I had to gas at the end of lap 3 so I put the hammer down and the lead grew. I was able to gas and come back out still holding a small gap over Jimmy Jarrett who had moved passed Nate.

I lost the lead near the end of lap 4 when my chain came off. I got going again and caught Jimmy quickly and moved back into position one. I made the mistake of hitting the same line on the next lap and derailed my chain again. I'm not sure what was in that rut but I avoided it like fried cheese on a stick for the rest of the race. I got the chain back on and chased Jimmy down, repassing him I worked on building a buffer. I had built a 40 second lead with a lap to go and pushed that out to over a minute by the finish. Taking my first win in the OMA series.

I was happy to win one of these races, as I have always considered racing in tight woods one of the areas that I needed to improve on to race at the top level in America.

Results.
1st, Paul Whibley, Suzuki RMZ 450
2nd, Jimmy Jarrett, Suzuki RM250
3rd, Nate Kanney, KTM 300
4th, Brian Garrahan, Yamaha YZ 450

[Danger]

Sounds like Paul is going pretty good at the moment, well done!
Imagine how much quicker he would be on the RM250!:scooter:

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12332>Whibs Takes Over:</A> by CycleNews.com.

[Danger]

Just heard Paul Whibley won this weekend too yahoo!!!!

[denill]

Just heard Paul Whibley won this weekend too yahoo!!!!


Yeah <a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/overall.asp?e=50&r=7&s=5>What a great result:</A>

And <a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/top20.asp?m=bike>Now 2nd Overall:</A> !!! :niceone: :niceone:

[takitimu]

Yeah <a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/overall.asp?e=50&r=7&s=5>What a great result:</A>


Wow Paul was on fire, nearly a minute faster on the last lap than everyone else, awesome stuff.

http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/laptimes.asp?e=50&c=65&s=5&r=7

[denill]

Wow Paul was on fire, nearly a minute faster on the last lap than everyone else, awesome stuff.

http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/laptimes.asp?e=50&c=65&s=5&r=7

Yeah, he really has emerged as THE MAN. :first:

Be interesting to read his report??? :yes:

[takitimu]

Yeah, he really has emerged as THE MAN. :first:

Tough to know why David Knight could not increase the pace on lap 4 when guys Paul,Glenn,Charlie,Josh dropped under or on a 28 minute lap, certainly the lap times didn't look like he had a major off or anything.

Be interesting to read his report??? :yes:
Agreed his ride along with Cody getting up to 3rd are the rides of the weekend I reckon.

[denill]

Race Report: Round 7 GNCC, Sparta KY
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st

With the sun beating down and the humidity rising we sat on the start line baking, trying to keep cool before the wave of the flag.
After the national anthem and announcement of the pro line up we were ready to go.

I got a mid pack start but moved into the top ten before we hit the woods. I was riding comfortable and able to follow the riders in front of me easily.
Over the course of lap one I moved up to 5th as riders made mistakes or I had opportunities to make a pass.
The track was pretty good in the woods with a lot of fresh trail. Although there was a fair amount of rocks in the soil and on the many off cambers, it was really slippery.
By the fuel stop at the end of lap three, I was battling it out with Aussie Glenn Kearney and we both pushed past Nate Kanney and moved on towards the leaders Josh Strang and David Knight. Josh was leading with David hot on his heels. We saw David make a mistake and go down.

With two laps to go the race was on. Josh, Glenn and I were charging and left the others behind. We swapped positions so many times. Coming through the barrels we got the one lap to go board. So I put the hammer down. I moved past Josh into the lead and began to pull a gap.
I rode hard the last lap, not wanting to surrender first place. I took the win by nearly fifty seconds. I was pretty pumped as this win was hard fort and a great race between Glenn who took 2nd and Josh coming in 3rd to complete an all down under podium.

1st- Paul Whibley
2nd- Glenn Kearney
3rd- Josh Strang
4th- Nate Kanney
5th- David Knight

[denill]

<a href=http://www.racerxill.com/breakingnews/article/5480/whibley-wins-kentucky-gncc.aspx>Another Report:</A> to go with Whibs modest account.

"For even more history, the podium positions were taken by a New Zealander and two Australians, a first-ever all-international GNCC podium"

[takitimu]

<a href=http://www.racerxill.com/breakingnews/article/5480/whibley-wins-kentucky-gncc.aspx>Another Report:</A> to go with Whibs modest account.


I might have to work out if I can make it to the next race I reckon :), Paul is on fire, that is one impressive effort he put in eh & well deserved, he's been real fast towards the end of races & has to be as fit as all hell.

[camchain]

When he was in NZ recently he did just about every event going. Last race here was final round of GNCC and next day jumped on the plane back to US. He's an impressive piece of work. Looks like all the effort he puts in is really paying off. Good on him.

[ali-s]

When he was in NZ recently he did just about every event going
saw him in the pits at the whakatane summercross - checking his suzi in alpinpine stars pants and jandals and just chatting and chillin with anyone who cared to have a chat - nice bloke - hope he does really well this year in the states.

[denill]

saw him in the pits at the whakatane summercross - checking his suzi in alpinpine stars pants and jandals and just chatting and chillin with anyone who cared to have a chat - nice bloke - hope he does really well this year in the states.

And Whibs <a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12421>Does It Again:</A> :clap: :clap:

[denill]

Race Report: OMA xc Rnd 4 Iowa
Rider:Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st

Torrential rain overnight left the event in question in alot of peoples mind. Would Gusse run an event in these conditions? Oh yes he will. There was never really any doubt.

By the time we lined up for the start the rain had thinned out (for now) and so had the starting lineup but the keen die hard racers were there, so we had a race. Gusse had to basically abandon the track he had laid out for the pro bike race as it wouldn't have lasted 2 laps, before it would have become impassable for 90% of the field. Instead he utilised most of the quad track from the day before.

With the wave of the flag we were all eating mud. I got a good start and was 2nd out onto the grasstrack. I wanted to get to the lead asap so I could see were I was going. Before we hit the first woods section I took the lead. Jimmy Jarrett soon pulled in behind me, racing his RMZ 450 for the first time this year. We quickly gapped the field as we upped the pace. The fields were completely water logged from the overnight rain and there was a mud slide that had come down over the track. Jimmy stuck with me for a couple of laps but must have got held up by a lapper, or made a mistake as he dropped back about 10 sec.

Then the conditions turned again, another huge storm came through, dumping a huge amount of water on the track. A tree blew over and fell across the track! Water raged down the streams and some of the tracks had a torrent of water roaring down them. As the race entered its second half I expected it to be called short but this was an OMA so on we raced. One of the creeks had come up so much so fast I began to wonder how many more times we would make it accross. Massive ruts formed on some of the hills as the water scoured out the topsoil.

I had pulled a sizable lead over Jimmy so I backed it down over the last couple of laps to make sure I finished safe. But the last creek crossing before the finish there was no backing down. I dove into the torrent, pinned, hoping to come out the other side. The wave of water came over the front guard but the bike powered through. I reached the finish safe with about 5 minutes over Jimmy and Brain Garrahan came home in third.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jimmy Jarrett
3rd: Brian Garrahan

[raglanash]

Yadkin Valley Stomp
Yadkinville, NC - Round 8
Sunday, June 22, 2008
GNCC Bike p.m.
Overall Finish Results 188 Entries
Place Racer Hometown Class Nbr Brand Laps Elapsed
1 JOSHUA V STRANG SALEM, OH XC1 Pro 008 SUZ 6 02:48:00
2 CHARLES MULLINS HAMILTON, OH XC1 Pro 003 SUZ 6 02:49:17
3 DAVID KNIGHT UNITED KINGDOM, XC1 Pro 001 KTM 6 02:49:48
4 PAUL J WHIBLEY PETERSBURG, KY XC1 Pro 006 SUZ 6 02:51:56
5 GLENN J KEARNEY ANTIOCH, CA XC1 Pro 007 HSQ 6 02:52:43
6 NATHAN A KANNEY HIGH FALLS, NY XC1 Pro 116 KTM 6 02:54:08
7 JASON RAINES BELFAIR, WA XC1 Pro 100 YAM 6 02:55:13
8 JASON THOMAS MACHYNLLETH POW, UK XC2 Pro Lites 321 KTM 6 02:56:39
9 JUSTIN WILLIAMSON SANFORD, FL XC2 Pro Lites 009 KTM 6 02:56:47
10 GARRETT D EDMISTEN VERO BEACH, FL XC1 Pro 005 KAW 6 02:56:54
11 JIM JARRETT BELOIT, OH XC1 Pro 004 SUZ 6 02:57:12
12 CORY J TTRICK LOGAN, OH 4 Stroke A Lites 022 KTM 6 02:57:47
13 KURT W CASELLI PALMDALE, CA XC1 Pro 019 KTM 6 02:57:55
14 DUSTIN M GIBSON CUMBERLAND FURN, TN XC2 Pro Lites 016 YAM 6 02:58:52
15 THADDEUS DUVALL WILLIAMSTOWN, WV XC2 Pro Lites 012 YAM 6 03:00:24
16 JAKE A KORN BROOKLINE, NH 4 Stroke A Lites 388 KTM 6 03:01:00
17 SCOTT WATKINS LEETONIA, OH XC2 Pro Lites 014 KAW 6 03:02:29
18 LOUWRENS MAHONEY TAVARES, FL XC1 Pro 401 KTM 6 03:02:36
19 JORDAN P ASHBURN COOKEVILLE, TN 250 A 030 KTM 6 03:04:40
20 ROBBY E NORWOOD CREEDMOOR, NC 200 A 032 KTM 6 03:05:51

2008 GNCC Series
XC1 Pro - Class Points
Points
1 KTM 001 DAVID KNIGHT 1 3 1 1 1 4 5 3 196
2 SUZ 006 PAUL WHIBLEY 5 4 3 4 6 1 1 4 166
3 SUZ 008 JOSHUA STRANG 24 6 4 2 2 2 3 1 159
4 SUZ 003 CHARLES MULLINS 10 1 6 3 3 13 6 2 146
5 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 6 2 7 5 5 11 4 6 129
6 SUZ 004 JIM JARRETT 2 5 5 10 8 3 8 9 127
7 HSQ 007 GLENN KEARNEY 11 9 16 6 4 12 2 5 110
8 YAM 100 JASON RAINES 7 12 9 7 7 5 7 7 107
9 KAW 005 GARRETT EDMISTEN 3 19 11 9 9 7 9 8 96
10 KAW 010 JESSE ROBINSON 8 8 8 8 10 DNF 11 73
11 HSQ 104 GORDAN CROCKARD 9 11 13 13 11 14 12 12 73
12 KTM 024 BRIAN GUENTHER 13 13 12 12 13 6 13 65
13 KTM 401 LOUWRENS MAHONEY 18 15 10 15 14 9 14 11 62
14 YAM 002 BARRY HAWK JR 4 7 2 DNF 57
15 YAM 711 JOSHUA MCLEVY 17 14 17 14 15 10 17 14 50
16 YAM 501 BRIAN GARRAHAN 12 10 20
17 KAW 441 RUSSELL PEARSON 16 10 16
18 KTM 015 SHANE WATTS 11 16 15
19 HSB 359 NICK FAHRINGER 8 13
20 HON 454 JEFF CURRY 20 14 17 12

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Rnd. 8, Yadkinville, NC
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 4th

I got a mid pack start and rounded the slippery first turn in about 8th. I moved up to about 6th I think before we hit the dusty woods. The track was choppy and rough and the dust made it difficult to see the bumps, so I rode tight for the first couple of laps. Kurt Caselli (Defending WORKS series champion) made an appearance, and raced this event. I found myself behind him briefly on lap one before I squeezed passed entering a field section.

On the second lap I got stuck in a rut leaving a mud hole and lost a position to Jason Raines. Kinda weird to be able to say I got stuck in mud in a dusty race. After some pushing and a bit of help from Graham, Gordon Crockards' mechanic, (Thanks Mate) I got going again.
During the fuel stop on lap three, I had some issues with the quickfill. The dump can must have been damaged or broken cause it took ages to fill up the bike. I was getting ancy and told them to take the dump can out. I thought they started to pull out, so I began to move off, only for the can to get jammed in the tank, (sorry Chris). I left the pits and noticed some fuel sitting on top of the drybreak. I thought this was left over from fueling but it continued to slosh out from the tank. I tried to push it down with my thumb while riding hoping that it would seat properly and stop leaking, but all that happened was I got gas all over my gloves. Soon I was covered in gas, my pants were soaked and my seat was slippery, my knee braces began to slide down and I began to wonder if I would need to make another fuel stop.

I took a drink from my drink system to discover that tasted like gas as well. My bike began to run bad, I guess all that gas was spilling out the tank and running down to the airbox onto the airfilter. It burbled and spluttered and I stalled the bike once, taking a lot of time to get it fired up again. I signaled to Katherine that I needed to put the dust cover back on my bike to try and stop some gas coming out, so on the next pass through the pits I stopped to slap the cover back on. It worked a little but I think the damage was done, I had lost a lot of gas so on the last lap I stopped for a splash to ensure I made it to the finish. After all the dramas I was too far behind the leader to make any further progress up the field.

I crossed the line in 4th place, not a podium finish but OK for a bad day.

1st- J. Strang
2nd- C. Mullins
3rd- D. Knight
4th- P. Whibley
5th- G. Kearney

[takitimu]

Damn that is impressive, to pull a 4th with that much going wrong, tks for the post.

[denill]

Damn that is impressive, to pull a 4th with that much going wrong,

Yeah, you're right Nigel. And he's so bloody laconic, eh. Those problems would have meant a DNF for a lot of riders. <_< <_<

[NordieBoy]

"I had problems and finished just behind David Knight"

That happens to me all the time :D

Go Whibs :woohoo:

[denill]

Race Report:
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ450
Round 5 OMA XC Series, Michigan. Result: 1st

My RMZ 450 fired up quickly and I rounded turn one in third place. Jimmy Jarrett, the holeshot king, led the way on his fast starting RM 250. I quickly moved into second and latched onto Jimmys back wheel as we entered the woods. I chased him around the first lap looking for a way around until I tucked the front end into a big soft berm after a drop-off and went over the bars. I got back up and got my bike restarted just as Brian Garrahan passed me. I pinned it not wanting to lose Jimmy and quickly repassed Brian.

I caught back up to Jimmy late in the second lap and the race was on. The track was pretty tight in places, this would make getting around lappers difficult. I some how got past Jimmy and tried to open up a gap. We were soon in traffic and struggling to find a way around. Lucky some of the riders politely moved over to allow us through although some needed some encouragement like a 450 on the limiter. I pushed hard and opened up a small gap only to get caught behind some riders in the tight sections allowing Jimmy to catch back up.

We both gassed up together and continued to battle it out. I made some mistakes and Jimmy took the lead and made a break for it. He was riding really good and I had to push hard to keep him in sight. On the last lap Jimmy still had the advantage and was leading the way.

I pushed hard and mid lap made a pass around the outside on a sweeping choppy corner. Jimmy fought back and retook the lead when I hesitated and took a bad line around a lapper. We both bounced off each other as our lines came together. He shot to the lead determined to keep it to the finish, but I wanted to win just as bad and hounded him as the lap ran down. I saw a gap and made a risky pass through the weeds but it paid off as I dived to the front as we entered another tight section. Jimmy made a last ditch attempt at a pass on the last corner but I had the inside covered and took the win.

1st- P. Whibley
2nd- J. Jarrett
3rd- B. Garrahan

[takitimu]

1st- P. Whibley
2nd- J. Jarrett
3rd- B. Garrahan

A really fantastic effort again, looks like a great team with Jarrett.

[Danger]

Wow sounds like an awesome race between the two Suzuki riders!

[raglanash]

Knight Back in Victory Lane at GEICO Mountain Ridge GNCC

Sunday, July 06, 2008

Red Bull KTM's David Knight finally got the momentum back in the Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series, as the defending Series' Champion caputured the GEICO Mountain Ridge GNCC in Somerset, PA, today. Knight edged the winner of the previous GNCC, FMF Suzuki's Josh Strang, with fellow Red Bull KTM rider Nathan Kanney grabbing a podium finish with third. Knight led the whole day, but Strang had to battle Kanney hard for the second spot.

Paul Whibley took fourth on his FMF Suzuki RM-Z450, while Jason Raines carded fifth on his Am-Pro FMF Yamaha.

Barry Hawk returned to action and snagged sixth on his Am-Pro FMF Yamaha YZ250.

Thad DuVall pulled off his own David Knight-like effort by getting back on top of the XC2 class. DuVall also finished seventh overall. Monster Energy Yamaha's Dustin Gibson scored second on his YZ250F, with Red Bull KTM's Justin Williamson on the podium once again with third.

Full results are posted, stay tuned to GNCC Racing.com all week for more info from Mountain Ridge.

Mountain Ridge
Somerset, PA - Round 9
Sunday, July 06, 2008
GNCC Bike p.m.
Overall Finish Results 239 Entries
Place Racer Hometown Class Nbr Brand Laps Elapsed
1 DAVID KNIGHT UNITED KINGDOM, XC1 Pro 001 KTM 5 02:45:29
2 JOSHUA V STRANG SALEM, OH XC1 Pro 008 SUZ 5 02:46:40
3 NATHAN A KANNEY HIGH FALLS, NY XC1 Pro 116 KTM 5 02:46:41
4 PAUL J WHIBLEY PETERSBURG, KY XC1 Pro 006 SUZ 5 02:46:48
5 JASON RAINES BELFAIR, WA XC1 Pro 100 YAM 5 02:49:49
6 BARRY HAWK JR SMITHFIELD, PA XC1 Pro 002 YAM 5 02:51:35
7 THADDEUS DUVALL WILLIAMSTOWN, WV XC2 Pro Lites 012 YAM 5 02:51:38
8 GLENN J KEARNEY ANTIOCH, CA XC1 Pro 007 HSQ 5 02:52:26
9 CHARLES MULLINS HAMILTON, OH XC1 Pro 003 SUZ 5 02:54:05
10 DUSTIN M GIBSON CUMBERLAND FURN, TN XC2 Pro Lites 5003 YAM 5 02:56:26

Overall Overall Points
1 KTM 001 DAVID KNIGHT 1 3 1 1 1 7 5 3 1 222
2 SUZ 006 PAUL WHIBLEY 5 4 3 4 6 1 1 4 4 184
3 SUZ 008 JOSHUA STRANG 6 4 2 2 2 3 1 2 184
4 SUZ 003 CHARLES MULLINS 11 1 6 3 3 6 2 9 149
5 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 6 2 8 5 5 4 6 3 139
6 SUZ 004 JIM JARRETT 2 5 5 13 8 3 8 11 122
7 YAM 100 JASON RAINES 7 16 13 7 7 8 7 7 5 112
8 HSQ 007 GLENN KEARNEY 14 10 6 4 2 5 8 105
9 YAM 012 THADDEUS DUVALL 10 8 7 10 9 4 15 7 99
10 KAW 005 GARRETT EDMISTEN 3 17 12 10 19 11 10 13 76

[NordieBoy]

2nd thru 4th covered by 8 seconds :D

[denill]

Race Report:
Round 9 GNCC Series, Pennsylvania
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ450
Result: 4th

With testing and practice done in the weeks leading up to this race I felt more prepared to race in the rocks.
Off the line I had to double kick my bike to get it to fire up, so I brought up the rear of the pro pack as we rounded turn one. The first section was pretty fast and a little dusty, but I made some ballzy passes and moved up to about 5th mid lap. We headed into the woods and into the slick rocks. I bounced my way through and with the slick softer suspension setting that RG3 had come up with inspiring some confidence, I pushed on towards the leaders.

Near the end of the first lap I was following Strang and Kanney and riding comfortable. With slightly longer than normal laps we were soon into the pits for our gas stop. After getting gas and back out on the track I lost contact with Strang and Kanney and found myself in a battle with the two Yamaha pilots, Raines and Hawk. In one rock garden Raines got up beside me and showed me a wheel but I managed to keep his attack at bay. I also got into a race with Hawk until he went down. With the Yamaha duo behind me I pushed on trying to catch back up to Strang and Kanney.

I had chosen to run a Q silencer at this event, this is FMFs enduro spec silencer. I used it to smooth the power out and it worked great allowing me to find some traction in the slick conditions. It also made the four stroke roar more pleasing to the ear (something that needs to be addressed - especially in the quad classes) although it did make passing lappers a bit harder as I don't think they heard me coming.

On the last lap I had closed the gap to 20 seconds behind Strang and Kanney who were battling it out for 2nd, but that wasn't going to cut it so I pinned it a little bit more. I eventually caught sight of Kanney, who was in 3rd place, on the last quarter of the lap. This was a fast slightly dusty section and I never got close enough to attempt a pass.
I was disappointed not to be up on the podium, although I was close. Just needed another lap.

One other product I used at this race was the G2 throttle cam. This product allows a rider to select a cam that allows for faster or slower throttle openings. With the slick conditions out on the course I chose a slower cam that provided smoother bottom power allowing me to find some traction on the slick rocks.

Well there is a break in the GNCC schedule now but I will be doing some other races to stay sharp for the remaining rounds when the series resumes in September.

1st- D. Knight
2nd- J. Strang
3rd- N. Kanney
4th- P. Whibley
5th- J. Raines

[denill]

Race Report; IXCR event, Indiana
on Wednesday 06 August 2008 - 01:46:59 | by Whibbs
Race Report, IXCR event, Indiana
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, FMF Suzuki
Bike, Suzuki RMZ 450
Result, 1st

With not a lot of racing happening over the break I heard of a race down in Indiana. I had heard good reviews from this series (Indiana X Country Racing) and with Scott Summers and Brian Garrahan local to this event I was hoping for a good race.

With an early start at 10am sharp, I looked across the start line and there wasn't a huge turnout of Pros, both Brian and Scott were no shows. Off the start I rounded turn one in 3rd and quickly moved into second. The track was fresh and it was hard to see the arrows on lap one, so the pace was slow. I soon found myself in the lead, but didn't really want to be there. It was risky at times charging through the grass with the amount of rocks and sticks hiding in there.

On the second lap I picked up the pace and began to build a lead. The track was fast and fun and the laps rattled off with ease. There was a rocky creek section with a really slippery slab rock base. The 'Wasting Time' film crew were there and I hear they got plenty of sweet crashes as people laid their bikes down and slid on their butts down the rocks.

I look forward to seeing that on their upcoming release, 'Well Wasted Time'.

After 2 hours, I took the win and the number one plate trophy that came with it. Cool!

[denill]

Race Report,
Rnd 6 OMA series Ohio
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, FMF Suzuki
Bike, Suzuki RMZ 450
Result, 1st

What a turn around track conditions were on Sunday. Watching the Quad race on Saturday and completing practice revealed a dust bowl. Unusual for an OMA race but we had a fast grass section that lead to a MX track for the first part of the lap. The grass soon turned to dirt as the quads stripped all grass from the surface. There was some woods sections but not a lot of fresh tracks for the bikes. The dust prevailed everywhere. I suspect the property was not that large.

So when we arrived on Sunday morning to see that overnight rain had the track watered to perfection, hopes were raised for some better racing. Also Gusse had been hard at work as usual and found some more tight, fresh (typical OMA terrain) for the afternoon race to tear up.
During the week leading up to the race I had my custom CTi knee braces serviced. After using an old pair of braces for a week I really appreciated the serviced one. Slipping back on my fresh braces is like putting your hand into a glove that has been used just enough to conform to every contour of you hand. The braces fit almost like a second skin.

From the wave of the flag I got a average start with 3 kicks to get the RMZ fired up. But I held a tight line around the second turn and moved up a lot of positions. By the time we hit the MX track I was 2nd behind Brian Garrahan. I pushed hard, wanting to be in the lead before we hit the woods. On the last corner before diving into the trail I made the pass and took the lead. I continued to push and opened up a gap on the field. The bike was running great and the RG3 suspension was handling the fast MX track as well as the numerous log crossing with ease.

After 5 laps I was gassed up, thanks Bret and Nick for helping out while Katherine is back in NZ. I could feel my rear mousse tube going bad and the rear tyre began to feel like it was rolling around a lot. I was kind of worried that it would come off the bead and began to take it a bit easier on many of the off cambers and faster sections of the track.

The track conditions remained good pretty much the whole race with only a small amount of dust creeping in near the end. The fresh single track that had been added was also a nice addition to a track that turned out pretty fun.

Jimmy Jarret who was running second had a big crash late in the race and carded a DNF after a possible concussion. Hope Jimmy's doing alright and has a speedy recovery. Brain Garrahan took over from Jimmy's misfortune and took over second.

I took the win and was stoked to take my 4th OMA win in a row.

[secondfield]

Holy Crap, this bloke may just take out the series!

Go Paul !!Give em hell !! :2guns:

[denill]

Holy Crap, this bloke may just take out the series!


Yeah, he just might. :yes: <a href=http://www.unitedoffroadracing.com/08point_oma_promc.php>Series points:</A> to date.

[secondfield]

Heres a couple of recent non GNCC race reports Whibb's has just posted on his website... both wins! :first:

Race Report, KORHS
on Saturday 23 August 2008 - 01:15:41 | by Whibbs
Race Report, KORHS ( Kentucky Off Road Harescramble Series)
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, FMF Suzuki
Bike, Suzuki RMZ 450
Result, 1st

Well this report is a bit late coming out. I've had a busy week training and trying to sort a few things out, but lets get straight to the racing.
I raced this series a lot last year and I ran into Rick Hollenkamp at an OMA race a few weeks back. He asked if I could come back and do some of the KORHS events this year. It was cool to get invited back and know my efforts racing were appreciated there.
The venue was at Saddleback near Louisville KY. The track looked good, they had added a cool little enduro x section near the scoring tent to keep the spectators entertained and challenge the brave riders.
With the wave of a flag we were off (well everyone else was) I completely ballsed up my start and sat kicking on the line as everyone else raced off into the distance. I got the bike fired up after a couple of kicks and set off chasing down the pack. I soon caught back up and began picking off riders where I could.
The track was dry and pretty rock in places but some fresh trails had been added and it was a good loop. The track is similar to the Sparta GNCC in a lot of ways.
I caught up to the leaders and Allen Westerfeild was up front on his little KTM and being chased hard by Nathan Alering. I tried a different line to try get around Nathan and got up beside him only to be covered in muddy water as he splashed through a small mud hole. I grabbed a tear off a my vision was restored to perfect again through my Smith goggles.
I made a pass stick on Nathan and zeroed in on Allan. On a tricky rocky hill climb I cranked the RMZ up and passed Allan and took the lead. I put the hammer down the rest of the lap and built a comfortable lead.
Time for the pit stop. Somehow I had set my gas up on part of the track that was used in the morning race and was not used for the arvo event. I had been making laps trying to work out were my gas was then I seen Brandon and Jimmy track side holding up my gas can. They had carried it over to the proper track ready to gassed me up. Big Thanks guys.
I completed the 2 hours safely and took the win.
At the prize giving the results revealed a tie for second. Nathan Alering and John Maschino had the same finishing time, down to one hundredth of a second. Thats Olympic stuff. This was possible because John started a row back and on adjusted time they were tied. I'm not sure how the sorted it but that's freaky after 2 hour racing to be that close!!


Race Report, CRA xc, Lightning Raceway Ohio
on Tuesday 26 August 2008 - 01:51:53 | by Whibbs
Race Report, CRA xc, Lightning Raceway Ohio
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, FMF Suzuki
Bike, Suzuki RMZ 450
Result, 1st

The green flag waved and my RMZ fired up quickly, taking the holeshot and heading into the woods in the lead. The track was dusty so up front was were I wanted to be. The organizers had made an effort to add some new pieces to the track to minimise the dust. The new sections were overgrown in grass and the ground was rough with hidden logs waiting to take the careless rider down.
I took lap one easy not wanting to go down but by the end of the lap I had allready built a lead. I picked up the pace a bit on the second lap and the track became more fun as the fresh sections began to be run in.
I topped up my IMS tank just over the hour mark and headed back out for the final hour of the race.
With 12 laps of the track complete I took the win. A good day out on the bike.

:niceone:

[takitimu]

He's on fire, managed to got some leave all sorted for my next US trip so can come back later & go watch the New Berlin ( Unadilla ) GNCC race.

[secondfield]

Have your camera handy mate...

[denill]

Race Report. AWRCS Pennsylvania
Rider. Paul Whibley
Team. FMF Suzuki
Bike. Suzuki RMZ 450
Result. 1st

With the GNCCs starting up next weekend and a AWRCS race being 2.5 hours plus a lap it would be a good warm up event. I also wanted to test the FMF Q muffler and power bomb header pipe in race conditions before the tough terrain expected at Sow Shoe.

I got a good start and grabbed the holeshot which was important as this place was dusty. The quads had turned a lot of the track to powder the day before. There was also plenty of confusion on the first lap with the track going on and of the quad track and in the dust a lot of the bunting was taken down. The organizers and track workers were onto it and worked fast to enforce the full track with a lot more bunting and arrows on the turn offs. I held a good pace and steadily increased my lead over Joe "Dirt" with Scotty Watkins running in third.

The track was pretty fun aside from the dust, it had a good flow in the woods sections and was cut up a bit like a GNCC so it was good practice. I took the win comfortably and came into the pits watching the race for second. Joe looked to have it at the start of the last lap but Scotty emerged from the dust in the number two spot. Joe had suffered bike problems from what we heard.

Big thanks to the Watkins clan for giving me a ride to the event and gassing me up at the fuel stop.

[denill]

Whibs is <a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=12989>There or Thereabouts:</A>

[denill]

And now <a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2008/seriespoints.asp?s=5>Whibs moves up to Second in the Series:</A>

Bloody fantastic..........................

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC, Rnd 10 Snowshoe, West Virginia
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 2nd

The Snowshoe GNCC is a one of a kind race. With the picturesque setting in the mountains and ski lifts floating over the track allowing for a unique view of the racing. Most spectators get a very different view of the race than the actual riders. That is unless they venture into the woods to witness the struggle of the riders as they claw their way through the numerous bogs and push and heave over the slimy rocks and roots. Any spectators that do brave a look into the woods often get drafted into dragging bikes out of the slop by exhausted riders and return from the woods looking like they raced themselves.

With space at a premium on top of a mountain a unique start system was adopdted. Riders were released in groups of five, ten seconds apart, with a live engine start on tarmac road.
I holeshot and led the first lap. Midlap I crashed on a gravel road. I picked my bike up and 2nd still hadn't past me. Later I also lost the track deep in the woods and some spectators had to point me in the right direction, allowing the others to catch up.

Early in lap two Knighter caught me and I elected to let him by. I wanted to follow him and learn from the master in these conditions. Thad Duvall also came by on a mission. He had started twenty seconds back and had caught us and took the lead.
I followed Knighter and picked up on some good lines and passed him back mid race. We got into a brief battle before he pulled away to chase down Thad.

We had pulled a big lead over 4th place and there was no danger of being caught, although I still pushed on wanting to take that no. 1 spot.
In the end I took 2nd in class behind David Knight and 3rd overall behind Thad Duvall from the XC2 class.

I was pretty happy with this result as last year Knighter blitzed everyone by twelve minutes at this race. For Thad and I to be up there challenging him was cool.

Results:
XC1
1st- D. Knight
2nd- P. Whibley
3rd- N. Kanney

[NordieBoy]

Bluddy good effort from Thad.

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13006>The Kiwi Wins:</A>

[takitimu]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13006>The Kiwi Wins:</A>

Nice, next year get's real interesting with Knight going WEC & Endurocross getting more profile.

[denill]

<a href=http://www.unitedoffroadracing.com/08point_oma_promc.php>OMA Points to Date:</A>

[denill]

Nice, next year get's real interesting with Knight going WEC & Endurocross getting more profile.


Hey Nigel. Did you know <a href=http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/enduro_david_knight_goes_to_bmw/5566.html>Knight's Going to BMW?</A> :(

[takitimu]

Hey Nigel. Did you know <a href=http://www.visordown.com/motorcyclenews/view/enduro_david_knight_goes_to_bmw/5566.html>Knight's Going to BMW?</A> :(

No, but I'm not surprised, he was not looking happy with KTM & going through mechanics like most people go through oil filters.
I'd have liked to have seen him race Whib's next year, but then again it makes Whib's the favourite to be next season's GNCC champion.
Could be one helluva season next year, Whib's in GNCC, Cody/BT AMA MX, Josh Europe MX.

[denill]

Race Report: OMA XC series, Rnd 8 Arkansas
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st

Round 8 of the OMA series saw another great race between Jimmy Jarrett and myself. Swapping positions throughout the two and a half hour event.
Cole Kirkpatrick holeshot and led the way, I got a good start and dropped in behind him. Cole was riding well and set a good pace, but late in the lap I began looking for an opening to get by. I snuck around the inside on a fast sweeping grassy corner and pinned it because I knew Jimmy was behind me and was ready to pounce as well.

Late in the second lap I got a massive amount of wire wrapped around my rear wheel. It was making all sorts of noise, then I lost my rear brake. I thought my race was done but after five minutes my brake began to come back. I guess the wire settled in and allowed the brake to pump up again. While this was happening I could hear Jimmy closing in again.
The track was pretty rocky but as the race progressed a line formed through the rocks and the course got better. Still I didn't want to go down in this stuff so I was riding cautious.

After the fuel stop Jimmy was on me and the pace was increasing. We began to push harder as we both wanted the win. Jimmy got by me in one of the bike only sections near the pits. I thought I had a good line through here but Jimmy pulled out a better one and shot to the lead. It was tough riding behind someone as there was some dust and plenty of random rocks just waiting to take you down, so I pushed hard wanting to retake the lead asap. I got my chance sooner than expected when a lapper went down on a wet slab rock and slowed Jimmy down, I shot around the side and retook the lead. I pushed as hard as I was comfortable doing but still I couldn't shake my teammate. We got the white flag and I was just clinging to the lead. Jimmy took the lead again near the start of the last lap, and hooked another gear.

I gave chase and we were now going faster than I wanted to go through the rocks but I was thinking about the win. We were coming up on lappers pretty fast and we would split them, diving either side of them, probably scaring them to death. I retook the lead again on one of these encounters and was determined to hold on to the end.

I got to the finish and grabbed the win. Jimmy had dropped back, I think he crashed while passing another lapped rider.

Brian Garrahan took third after a late race charge that saw him pass Cole Kirkpatrick.

1st- P. Whibley
2nd- J. Jarrett
3rd- B. Garrahan
4th- C. Kirkpatrick

[secondfield]

No, but I'm not surprised, he was not looking happy with KTM & going through mechanics like most people go through oil filters.

Ha, heres a video of David having a hissy and calling his kato a 'bucket of shit' after a blocked fuel cap hose caused a vaccum lock in his fuel line ....

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=5bIBWdhgLDE

:girlfight:

GO PAUL :woohoo: .. Is all I can say ... go to his website, buy a tshirt to support his endeavours and drop the man an email wishing him all the best....

[NordieBoy]

Ha, heres a video of David having a hissy and calling his kato a 'bucket of shit' after a blocked fuel cap hose caused a vaccum lock in his fuel line ....

I think anyone racing for the win would call their bike a 'bucket of shit' if the vent hose blocked and you hadn't worked out what it was.

I know I did going down Jollies Pass into Hamner on the 2007 Dusty Butt 1000.

[secondfield]

4 sure ... Id probably set the c**t on fire as well.

Time for another free bike from ktm ...:Oi:

[NordieBoy]

4 sure ... Id probably set the c**t on fire as well.

Time for another free bike from ktm ...:Oi:

From BMW now :D

He'll be riding with a pipe and slippers next :shutup::yes:

[takitimu]

Tough day @ the office for Whib's at the Unadilla GNCC coming 9th, but that does not quite tell the story, he was last off the line ( I guess it didn't fire 1st kick ) & up to 3rd by the second time around, then he pulled clear into 2nd, but on the last lap he ran out of gas, real bad luck & it meant Knighter won the day & the series today.

I've attached a few photo's from the race, yesterday it rained a bit, but looked good this morning & the amateurs had a nice clean race, then it came down, not real bad, but enough that I was soaked & my camera fogged up so many times it was not funny, alot of riders pulled out of the main race.

Gotta say though Whib's looked real good, I've watched a few GNCC'S now & this was definitely the strongest I have seen him race, to be last at the start & only 2 minutes behind David Knight after 3 hours racing is impressive to say the least, I was actually heading for the podium because my camera/lens had cleared up & I could take photo's again ( I found the limit of rain my camera could handle & kept it there for 3 hours :) ) when over the speaker I heard Whib's was out of gas, I figured he'd be hardly happy & I was soaked so I bailed, hopefully I get another another chance to watch a GNCC, they are pretty cool.

[takitimu]

Some more photo's

[takitimu]

The last ones

[denill]

Tough day @ the office for Whib's at the Unadilla GNCC coming 9th, but that does not quite tell the story, he was last off the line ( I guess it didn't fire 1st kick ) & up to 3rd by the second time around, then he pulled clear into 2nd, but on the last lap he ran out of gas, real bad luck & it meant Knighter won the day & the series today.

Outa gas.......... Bugger...............

Reckon you did the right thing Nigel and not engaging in small chat. Although Whibs would take that better than most!

Great picsl. The mud shots reminded me that there are good points to being retired :shit: :shit:

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Series Rnd 11 Unadilla NY
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 9th

Gutted, disappointed, and plenty of other stronger emotions and words that probably aren't fit to print are the feelings I have after the Unadilla GNCC.

I got a wicked jump out of the gate and was right at the front rounding turn one but went down in the wet slick conditions. I picked my bike up quickly but was near the back of the pro field. Passing was difficult with the wet ground and slippery rocky base and the amount of roost coming up was destroying goggles. I would close in on someone and just get filled in. Lucky for me, Fritz the Smith rep, had hooked me up with plenty of roll offs. By the end of lap one I think I was in the top five.

We soon encountered lappers and plenty more roost. It was terrible passing lappers as they seemed to be going a lot slower than the pros and struggling in the conditions. It was difficult and very frustrating trying to get past. It's not their fault, they are there to race as well, but there is such a speed difference that at times it can be so frustrating, even dangerous. The pit stop was a slick affair with Katherine and Monty getting me in and out in record time.

Through the course of race I worked my way up picking off one muddy rider at a time. I got into a race with Kanney as I keep wiping out after I would put a pass on him. By the last lap I had worked my way up to second place. I had pulled about two minutes over Kanney who was now third. With about two miles to go the bike stopped and it wouldn't restart. I kicked and kicked. I tried to crash start it but nothing. Then I thought may be it had run out of gas. I couldn't see into the tank as everything was so muddy. I ran back to the pits and grabbed some gas.

Chris (Josh's mechanic) followed me back to the bike to maybe try diagnose the problem. We put some gas in the bike and it still wouldn't start so that wasn't the problem. We checked over the bike the best we could but it was difficult to see if anything was out of place with the amount of mud coating the bike. We still are at a loss as to what went wrong.
The bike had been running awesome all race. The team will be working hard this week to identify the problem and do their best to prevent it from happening again.
But for me the race was done.
Gutted.

[denill]

Mmmm. So it didn't run out of gas after all.

But the result still a bugger.............. :mad::mad:

[clmintie]

[QUOTE= I ran back to the pits and grabbed some gas.

[/QUOTE]

After 2 1/2 hours in the mud at warp 5, he can still run for gas...... :shit:

[denill]

After 2 1/2 hours in the mud at warp 5, he can still run for gas...... :shit:

About 2 miles! :shit: :shit:

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13080>Whibs Wins the OMA!!</A> :clap: :first:

[takitimu]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13080>Whibs Wins the OMA!!</A> :clap: :first:

Damn nice job & I'm sure a good feeling after last weekends disappointment.

[denill]

Race Report: OMA Rnd 9, Missouri
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st


Round 9 of the OMA series was held near Kahoka, Missouri. Track conditions were near perfect with a fun mix of fast grass track, a mx track and the typical OMA tight woods. Jimmy Jarrett holeshot but I was right with him as he rounded turn one. I followed him all of the first lap, riding relaxed and learning the track. I got a chance to take the lead early on lap 2 on a flat out, 5th gear grass straight between two woods sections.

I out braked Jimmy just as we got back inside the trees. Once in the lead I got the RMZ wound up and began to build a gap. By the end of the second lap I had over a minute. I kept the heat on until the fuel stop when I was informed I had a sizable lead. Jimmy was having a bad day and crashed a couple times dropping back to 5th. Brain Garrahan had an even worse event with a monster crash in one of the 5th gear grass tracks. Going over the bars tapped out is never going to be pretty and his bike was bent up beyond use.

I continued to put in good laps and enjoy the fun track. Adam Bonneur rode awesome and came in 2nd place. Jimmy fought his way back up to 3rd. I took my seventh win in a row.

With that result I also clinched the OMA title, picking up my first American championship.

1st- Paul Whibley :woohoo:
2nd- Adam Bonneur
3rd- Jimmy Jarrett

[takitimu]

Whib's won the second to last race @ St Clairsville Ohio. (http://www.racerpress.com/newsmanager/templates/?a=1356&z=15)

The points table is

1 KTM 001 DAVID KNIGHT 282
2 SUZ 008 JOSHUA STRANG 238
3 SUZ 006 PAUL WHIBLEY 235

Cross fingers Paul has a another good ride in the final race in 2 weeks.

David Knight was not there for the ride, though given he's already won & not riding KTM next year no real surprise there.

Turns out David Knight raced the Weston Beach Race @ will ride a quad :shit: @ the last GNCC

[denill]

The points table is

1 KTM 001 DAVID KNIGHT 282
2 SUZ 008 JOSHUA STRANG 238
3 SUZ 006 PAUL WHIBLEY 235

Cross fingers Paul has a another good ride in the final race in 2 weeks.

Yeah, 2nd place is beckoning Whibs............. :whistle:

[denill]

Those bloody Suzukis are a weapon!! :eek: :eek:

[takitimu]

Those bloody Suzukis are a weapon!! :eek: :eek:

The kit they are bundling with the 450's is supposed to be damn cool as well.

Mind you whib's bike is not quite standard :), that suspension setup is seriously impressive.

[denill]

Race Report: GNCC Series Rnd 12, St Clairesville Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 1st


Round 12 of the GNCC series went down at Saint Clairesville in Ohio over the weekend.

I got a good jump off the line but Nate Kanney spun sideways and came across and hit my front wheel, nearly taking me down. So I ended up at the back of the pack rounding turn one. Not where I wanted to be as the track was pretty dusty and passing was going to be really tough. I made some passes during the course of the first lap and moved up, but I gained some serious time when Rodney Smith pointed out a hot line for us around one of the bog holes. I think by the end of the lap I was up to fifth place.
The course was dusty but the track crew had utilized as much of the creek beds and wet areas to give some kind of break from the choking dust. There was a pretty good bog hole at the 2 mile marker that drew in a big crowd, that enjoyed helping, point lines and witness the carnage of those who didn't make it through clean.

On lap two I missed the turn and went the long way round the mud hole where Rodney was and dropped back a few positions. I ended up behind Mike Brown searching for a way around. He was riding really good but he hit a big powder berm too hard and went down allowing me to shoot by. Next I caught my team mate Charlie Mullins who was battling with Nate Kanney. Charlie passed Nate and I followed suit and made a move on a fast straight. I caught Charlie again but it was really tough to make a pass in the dust. I think it took me almost a full lap to make it happen. Once I got by Charlie I got a pit board saying I was up to 2nd and Josh was leading, not to far in front.

I caught Josh but again struggled to find a way past. The team signalled us that we were going to need a splash of gas to finish the race. Josh and I came into the pits at the same time. My pit stop was Nascar fast and I left the pits in the lead. I got the white flag then seen a pit board from Katherine saying to pin it as I needed to pit again! It seems my pit stop was so fast I didn't take enough gas on. So I got on it to try and build a buffer over Josh so I could gas up again. Mid last lap I had a crash and lost probably about 20 seconds when I hit a lapper and shot over a bank. I got going again and made it to the pits with about a 30 second lead. I left the pits and rode hard the last 3 miles to the finish and took my third win of the season.

It was a good day for Team FMF Suzuki. For the first time we swept the top four positions overall and we were also all riding the awesome RMZ 450.

Results:
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Josh Strang
3rd: Charlie Mullins
4th: Jimmy Jarrett
5th: Nate Kanney

[raglanash]

Awesome!! Some pic's here.
http://www.racerxonline.com/gallery/2008_GNCC-Round12.aspx

[Katoomer]

I really enjoy Whibs race reports. When you read between the lines he is doing some seriously fast riding .
I would love to see one of those rounds ,even on TV.........

[takitimu]

I really enjoy Whibs race reports. When you read between the lines he is doing some seriously fast riding .
I would love to see one of those rounds ,even on TV.........

Hell yeah, what he's not letting on is just how close he's got to Knighter's speed, all those races in between GNCC's have made a hell of a difference I reckon, I hope they get to clash again in another 18-24 months in a Cross Country, I reckon it would be very very interesting.

[denill]

Hell yeah, what he's not letting on is just how close he's got to Knighter's speed, all those races in between GNCC's have made a hell of a difference I reckon, I hope they get to clash again in another 18-24 months in a Cross Country, I reckon it would be very very interesting.

His reports are very matter of fact, but then, that's Whibs. He's no big noter, but he very well could be with results like he's pulling.

How many times have you seen Whibs competing in the States Nigel?

[takitimu]

How many times have you seen Whibs competing in the States Nigel?

That'd be a good question

Undilla,NY 07/08
Somerset,PA 07
Union, SC 08

So by my dodgey math 4 times, for what it's worth the last race was the first time I've seen a Whib's t-shirt @ the event shop.

Last year Paul was 5th @ Unadilla & 6+ minutes behind Knight ( dry track ), this year 2 minutes back when he finally got into 2nd ( real wet track ), but then he had engine problems, I figure that's a pretty decent improvement :).

I'm not to sure how long this work will last so trying to make the most of the trips I get.

[denill]

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/ShowStory.asp?HeadlineID=13121>Whibs Came Home Second:</A>

[takitimu]

Nice result to get the overall win "2-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2", here's hoping he get's a real good sponsorship package for next year.

[denill]

Nice result to get the overall win "2-2-1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2", here's hoping he get's a real good sponsorship package for next year.

Yeah, the man is certainly on the pace AND most inportantly - consistent.

I hope like you that he can get a financially rewarding package, cos I'm given to understand he's on chickenshit at the moment. :angry:

[takitimu]

Yeah, the man is certainly on the pace AND most inportantly - consistent.

I hope like you that he can get a financially rewarding package, cos I'm given to understand he's on chickenshit at the moment. :angry:

It's a tough environment over there, the commentators were getting kinda xenophobic last race about overseas riders dominating & one thing americans are damn good at is playing hardball negotiation.

For all that I think Whib's has done this right, he is getting name recognition now & genuine respect from the fans because he's really delivered this year & he's a good bloke, but to be honest it's really only his first year with any profile so my read is the money will come but he'll have to stick it out another 2-3 years & keep the results & profile solid. Geico are not running a race team anymore & budgets will get tight ( parent company I work for is trimming expenses 3% now, but that won't be the last cut back & promotion is one of the expenses we're targeting ).

[denill]

( parent company I work for is trimming expenses 3% now, but that won't be the last cut back & promotion is one of the expenses we're targeting ).

Mmmmm. So that means that promotion does not have a positive effect on sales?? :(

[takitimu]

Mmmmm. So that means that promotion does not have a positive effect on sales?? :(

Or not all promotion spend is equal :), there were three key areas to be targeted, thankfully one was not employees working remotely from New Zealand :).

[denill]

Race Report, The MOOSE RUN, Final Rnd OMA
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, FMF Suzuki
Bike, Suzuki RMZ 450
Result, 2nd

The "Moose Run" is a bit different than your normal OMA event. Instead of your normal 10 to 12 mile lap, this event runs a 35 mile loop. The race then becomes a two lap affair with a total race time somewhere over the 3 hour mark for the pro's. The track takes in a lot of the surrounding corn fields that are wide open 5th gear but don't let that fool you as the majority of the track is in tight single track woods. Gusse makes special effort NOT to move any logs or other trail nasty's, in fact I'm sure he sees a bog or a log in the woods and aims you straight for it. So typically the first lap is spent picking your bike up after wiping out on a hidden, greasy as hell log. Therefore most of the pros bunch up and follow each other, learning were the hidden nasty's are and the real race starts on lap 2 when the track and obstacles are more visible.

I got a good start and took the holeshot. The first part of the track had been utilized for the quad race on saturday so I decided to see if I could make a break for it. I opened up a small lead going into the tight fresh woods but as I had to search more and more for arrows the rest of the pack closed in and as soon as they could see me they were able to just follow my lead. When I heard the bikes behind me I stopped trying to bust my butt and Jimmy and I took turns at leading.
Since the lap is so long and a bit of an unknown there is a fuel stop out on the track, along with several spectator points. Monty was in charge of the pit stop this week (Katherine had to head back to NZ) and he stepped up to the task.

We headed back into some fast cornfields again before we were back to the starting area and one lap was complete. I had began to break away and had probably 10 seconds on Jimmy at the start the last lap. I put my head down and worked hard to build that lead, wanting to remain far enough in front that Jimmy couldn't see me, kinda like hide and seek. As the lap progressed my lead grew, it was out to about a minute at one point but then bad luck struck. I log or stick caught my radiator and tore it open. Coolant spewed out like a boiling hot geyser.

I thought my race was done and doubted even if the bike would make the finish line. I backed it down and began to try conserve the bike. Not to far from the finish, maybe 5 miles, Jimmy caught and past me. I stuck with him and actually retook the lead as we crossed a river. I hit the river pinned ( bike cant overheat in there, water cooled again. HA!!), the spectators seemed to get a buzz out of the pass. I lead through another tight section but when we came back out to the corn fields leading to the finish, I didn't have the heart to hold my bike pinned for the last couple of miles. I would rather take second than not finish at all.

Congrats to Jimmy for taking the win. He has raced hard this year and deserved to take a win.

1st, Jimmy Jarrett
2nd, Paul Whibley
3rd, Adam Bonnuer

[denill]

Race Report: The Ironman Crawfordsville, Indiana
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: FMF Suzuki
Bike: Suzuki RMZ 450
Result: 5th

The last GNCC of the year and as always the Ironman race was one of the best. Track conditions were near perfect with some rain coming down Friday to moisten what would have been a dry event. Sitting on the line I had an uneasy stomach. I put it down to nerves at first and expected it to be gone as soon as the race started.

Off the line I got a good jump and came round turn one in third but as soon as we were charging I could feel something was wrong. My stomach was gurgling and I seriously needed to unload. I tried to put it out of my head and for the first lap I was able to follow Barry Hawk and the leaders. As the race continued it was more difficult to fight the urge and just concentrate on racing. After a couple of laps I was back in about 5th place.

I ended up riding most of the race by myself. Just out of touch with the leaders. At the pit stop Monty and Dan knew something was up because I wasn't as fired up as usual, I had other things on my mind. I got back out on the track and kept telling myself to just forget about my stomach and go but it never seemed to happen. The more the race progressed the more shook up I became and by the time the chequers came out the stomach cramps were unbearable and I was ready to explode. I raced back to the truck after the race and dived into the toilet.

I finished 5th. It was a really disappointing way to finish up the year.
The good news is that I remained in second place in the GNCC Championship. So next year look out for me on the number 2 bike in GNCCs and the number 1 plate in the OMAs. So overall it has been a successful season.

I head back to New Zealand for the kiwi summer in a couple of days and will begin preparing for the 09 season after some time off.

I would like to thank all my sponsors for their support, as without their help this would not be possible. The emails of support also, from fans all around has been amazing.

[takitimu]

A pretty stunning season I reckon, thanks for all the updates Bill !!!

[denill]

Yeah, the boy from the Bush Riders done good, eh. :niceone: :clap: :clap:

[Danger]

Excellant season and the reports are a great read. Thanks for keeping us informed and have some bling guys!

[Ktmboy]

Excellant season and the reports are a great read. Thanks for keeping us informed and have some bling guys!

I'll second Dangers words.
Thanks guys. :niceone:
Hopefully we might see the Axeman around the X country scene in NZ shortly.