Whibb's GNCC series starts today, [Archive]

scott411

4th March 2009, 14:09

WHIBLEY OFF TO A FLYING START

CAPTION: Pahiatua's Paul Whibley (Kawasaki), on target for another stunning season in the United States. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com

MARCH 4, 2009: New Zealand's Paul Whibley is off to a flying start in the United States.

The Kawasaki star from Pahiatua, who finished runner-up in the prestigious American Grand National Cross-Country Championships (GNCC) last season, finished a close second at the opening round of this year's series near Orlando, in Florida, today.

The championship, which usually runs on a Sunday, was this time staged on Tuesday (USA time) as part of the big Daytona Bike Week celebrations.

It attracted near 300 of the world's leading off-road motorcycle racers and the tough-as-nails Kiwi (Geico Team Kawasaki KX450F) was quick to show that he means business when he powered his way through the field, clocking consistent lap times around the 30-minute mark over the tight, sandy, bushy and tree root-infested course.

Dubbed "The Axeman", the former Manawatu forestry worker came through the timing check-point in sixth place after the opening lap and steadily improved from there, moving up to fifth a lap later and then slotting into fourth position on lap three.

He was up to second spot by lap five and chasing down the man who led from the start, his former team-mate at Suzuki, American rider Charlie Mullins.

He eventually finished just over a minute behind the fast-starting Mullins but nearly two minutes clear of the next best rider, American KTM rider Nate Kanney.

Fourth was American former Grand Prix motocross star and former American national motocross champion Mike Brown (KTM).

Whibley was named New Zealand's Off-road Rider of the Year at a black-tie function in Auckland late last year and, following this success, he looms as an early favourite to perhaps clinch that honour again this season.

He is at least on target to equal or improve on his ranking in the GNCC series.

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

denill

5th March 2009, 06:03

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/03/03/mullins-wins-gncc-opener>And Cycle News' Take:</A>

A pretty good start. Would be great to beat his ex-team mates...............:Pokey:

denill

5th March 2009, 07:38

Just thinking :mellow: :mellow:

Wouldn't it be awhile since Kawasaki was on a GNCC podium??

Whibs of course was also the best Suzuki finisher and likewise Honda when he rode those marques.

takitimu

5th March 2009, 08:05

Just thinking :mellow: :mellow:

Wouldn't it be awhile since Kawasaki was on a GNCC podium??

Whibs of course was also the best Suzuki finisher and likewise Honda when he rode those marques.

First time since at least 2005 & I'm pretty sure the first time GEICO has made the podium as well, I reckon Kawasaki & GEICO would be happy with the results.

Top 10
3 * KTM/Kawasaki
1 * Suzuki/Yamaha/Husqvarna/Husaberg
0 * Honda

scott411

5th March 2009, 09:23

it has been a year or two since kawasaki were up the top, Fred Andrews used to pop in there once or twice as well, Honda have not really feilded a decent team since Scott Summers in the mid 90's, Whibs was basically a priviteer with outside support when he rode Honda's there,

Geico is a huge insurance company in the states, good to see he has some support behind him,

thommo77

5th March 2009, 10:06

Sounds like he's pretty confident of a big season on the Kawi.
Would be great to see him win and give the big bird to Suzuki after they dropped him!

Katoomer

9th March 2009, 08:18

Whibs leading with one lap to go in round 2 in Georgia. Looked like he was just staying with the front pack of 5 riders then put the hammer down on lap 4

takitimu

9th March 2009, 08:29

Whibs leading with one lap to go in round 2 in Georgia. Looked like he was just staying with the front pack of 5 riders then put the hammer down on lap 4

Wow a 2 minute lead over Jimmy Jarret, looking great, hope the last lap goes well.

denill

9th March 2009, 10:02

Mmmm, Kawasaki 1st and 2nd. Mullins 4th. Go Whibs.......................

denill

9th March 2009, 10:50

Hey guys. What am I missing here?

How come Mullins leads by 5 points???

http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?c=65&s=5

Katoomer

9th March 2009, 11:35

Hey guys. What am I missing here?

How come Mullins leads by 5 points???

http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?c=65&s=5

No wonder the yanks are in the crap if thats how they add.
A 2nd and 1st usually beats a 1st and a 4th

another US race the Daytona SX yesterday, heres a 1st turn pileup
http://bobbymx.com/DAY09/day09_start.wmv

denill

9th March 2009, 11:47

No wonder the yanks are in the crap if thats how they add.
A 2nd and 1st usually beats a 1st and a 4th

And Kanney who's gone 3/5 has 21 pts against Whibs 2/1 and 25pts. With Mullins 1/4 30pts?? :2guns: :2guns:

You're right. The points are being calculated by a US bank manager

takitimu

9th March 2009, 12:23

And Kanney who's gone 3/5 has 21 pts against Whibs 2/1 and 25pts. With Mullins 1/4 30pts?? :2guns: :2guns:

You're right. The points are being calculated by a US bank manager

:)

<IMG src="http://gnccracing.com/images/stories/404_xc1podium.jpg">

Maybe double points for the first round or something, but whatever, that is one sweet photo & I still reckon it's Whib's year.

takitimu

9th March 2009, 12:27

Hey guys. What am I missing here?

How come Mullins leads by 5 points???

http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?c=65&s=5

My money is that they stuffed up pro lites & pro points tables.

Compare

XC1
http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?c=65&s=5
XC2
http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?s=5&c=66

[Edit]Doh, they just never added the round two results ( points per round http://gnccracing.com/pages/rules/2009-gncc-racing-pro-rules )

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 2 1 55
2 SUZ 003 CHARLES MULLINS 1 4 48
3 KAW 006 JIMMY JARRETT 6 2 40
4 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 3 5 37

denill

9th March 2009, 13:27

My money is that they stuffed up pro lites & pro points tables.

Compare

XC1
http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?c=65&s=5
XC2
http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?s=5&c=66

[Edit]Doh, they just never added the round two results ( points per round http://gnccracing.com/pages/rules/2009-gncc-racing-pro-rules )

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 2 1 55
2 SUZ 003 CHARLES MULLINS 1 4 48
3 KAW 006 JIMMY JARRETT 6 2 40
4 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 3 5 37

Yeah, you're on to it.

They are the points for the first round only. Phew. Thought I had to go over and sort the buggers out. :bash:

denill

9th March 2009, 13:53

<a href=http://www.racer-results.net/results/gncc/2009/seriespoints.asp?s=5&c=65>All's well now:</A> :whistle: :whistle:

denill

11th March 2009, 06:00

Race Report: Round 2 GNCC Georgia
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Result: 1st

With the first round bad start in the back of my mind I wanted to prove how good the new KX is at starting. With the wave of the flag the Kawie fired right up and shot me to turn one in record time, taking the hole shot and control of the race. I led the first mile then Josh Strang shot past on a better line. I followed him for the first lap. On the second lap Charlie Mullins came past both of us and upped the pace of the race. The race was on!!

My teammate Jimmy Jarrett soon joined us and took a turn in the lead. We all began swapping positions and trying different lines around some of the various mud holes and rutted sections. We came in for gas and a lightning fast stop by the pit crew sent me back out onto the track in 2nd. I caught Jimmy again and moved by and began building a lead.

There seemed to be a lot of lapped traffic on the track and I had a couple of altercations that tested my patience. One guy crashed right in front of me and I had no where to go colliding with his bike and going down as well. On the same lap one guy moved over nicely for me only to drop back into the same rut as me right as I was passing, we came together hard and the impact almost tore my foot peg off. It was just hanging there pointing at the ground. I could just get my toes on it. I came in for gas on lap 5 and told the crew that my foot peg was done and maybe coming off. I didn't want to stop and change it because I knew it would take a long time as I could see the bracket was bent as well and getting the pin in and out would be a mission. I pushed on doing the best I could and trying to protect my lead.

With a lap to go the foot peg completely came off. My right leg was burning and my left groin was pretty railed from holding my leg up. But I held on and made it to the finish and took the win. I was pretty happy to take my first win and first for the JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki team. My team mates Jimmy Jarrett and Scotty Watkins rode awesome. Jimmy taking second and Scotty took third in the XC2 class on his KX 250F.

Thanks for the continued support from my great sponsors in America and NZ.
Kawasaki, GEICO, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, RG3, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC brakes, Motion Pro, Enduro Engineering, BRP, Renthal, Works Connection, Leo Vince, RG3, Vortex Ignitions, Tsubaki chains, No Toil, G2, IMS, ProMoto Billet, Fastway, WER, Stringfellows, MotoSR

denill

11th March 2009, 06:04

And some old News that's just arrived:

Race Report: Round 1 GNCC Florida
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Result: 2nd

With the wave of the green flag the season was underway. I knew the Kawasaki starts fast and the dusty conditions meant a hole shot was very important. I got a little too excited and tried to go to fast and gassed it to soon, resulting in several kicks to start the bike and a near dead last start.
The dust was terrible and we were nearly at a stand still in some early sections until the pack spread out.

It was about the middle of the first lap that I could see anything and worked my way in behind Josh Strang. It took me a while to find, or should I say see, a way around him, but once by him I moved forward in search of the next rider. Next up it was Kurt Casselli and I moved past more quickly as I caught him in an open section littered with palmetto roots that wasn't to cut up and the dust was minimal. Next up was my team mate Jimmy Jarrett. He made me work for the position. I caught him in the really dusty whooped out section near the finish line. He was riding really good and I was struggling to see the track safely enough to pin it past him. I was behind him for several miles but I think he realized it was me and went wide on a corner allowing me to move by.

The track was cutting up fast, there was even a couple of really puggy sections as we cross what would be a swamp if it was wet. On lap two as I crossed one of these soft spots I had a good endo. I hit a massive breaking bump that wasn't even there the lap before and rode the front wheel for a while until it finally tucked and sent me over. I was quickly back on the bike with no damage to me or the bike.

A quick stop for gas and I was sent out chasing down Barry Hawk. I finally caught him a lap later in a really rough section and witnessed Barry get ejected out the side of a deep whooped section, nearly tagging me on the way down. I moved into second spot late in the race when I moved by Nate Kanney. Charlie Mullins was riding great and was way out front and there was not enough time to try run him down.

Second is a good solid start to the year and I'm looking forward to each race and a step closer to that championship.

Thanks for the continued support from my great sponsors here in NZ and America. Kawasaki, GEICO, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, RG3, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC brakes, Motion Pro, Enduro Engineering, BRP, Renthal, Works Connection, Leo Vince, RG3, Vortex Ignitions, Tsubaki chains, No Toil, G2, IMS, ProMoto Billet, Fastway, WER, Stringfellows, MotoSR

takitimu

11th March 2009, 09:00

With a lap to go the foot peg completely came off. My right leg was burning and my left groin was pretty railed from holding my leg up. But I held on and made it to the finish and took the win.

That is impressive !!!, I'm just thinking what Barry Hawk would have done, heck the guy stopped to change his shock because he didn't like it didn't he ??.

denill

11th March 2009, 09:42

That is impressive !!!, I'm just thinking what Barry Hawk would have done, heck the guy stopped to change his shock because he didn't like it didn't he ??.

Yeah. I guess we've all tried riding off-road with only one foot peg in our careers.
NOT good and in the terrain they are in - bloody unbelievable. He really is a legend.

Plus, he really understates his achievements, eh. Modest to a fault....

denill

16th March 2009, 14:03

Race Report: Mid East Harescramble Series
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Result: 1st

With constant rain falling Saturday and all Sunday morning and the temperatures in the low 40s ( 8 c) it would have been nicer to stay home, but that's no fun!! Off the line I got filled in bad but moved up to third quickly, then second behind Jesse Robinson (Series Champion).

I moved past Jesse on a fast grassy sweeper mid second lap, but could already hear Charlie Mullins right behind me. The track was cutting up fast and there was a lot of water lying in the low spots although most of the really tough terrain had been removed in anticipation of the bad weather. I was stoked to have my Fastway foot pegs on as these things offer a massive platform to secure your foot in place and in these trying conditions thats pretty important. We were soon into lap traffic and back to eating roost. Most of the guys were good though and moved over as soon as they could for the faster riders coming through. A quick stop for gas and fresh pair of Smith roll offs and back into the action.

After the fuel stop Charlie dropped out with some problems. We had pushed each other clear of the other riders, so with him out I had a good lead. The track actually didn't get too much worse than the first few laps and with the rain holding off the low spots cleared out a lot of the water. With seven laps done, the chequered flag came out and I took the win.

Thanks for the continued support from my great sponsors in America and NZ.
Kawasaki, GEICO, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, RG3, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC brakes, Motion Pro, Enduro Engineering, BRP, Renthal, Works Connection, Leo Vince, Vortex Ignitions, Tsubaki chains, No Toil, G2, IMS, ProMoto Billet, Fastway, WER, Stringfellows, MotoSR

denill

16th March 2009, 14:23

And here's a snippet:

"I went hard at mid race and got into the lead, but when Whibley caught me later on, I was done," said (Jimmy) Jarrett. "He's just a machine out there, it's incredible."

secondfield

16th March 2009, 14:40

Cheer's for the update Den', Jarret pretty well sums it up eh?

haha essentially:

' When Whibley catches you, ya done for '

Morale must be peaking in the Suzuki team right now.

raglanash

23rd March 2009, 08:09

Get out of the way Mullins!!

1st #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 6 00:25:30.1 Class Leader 16:03:11 02:30:38.4
2nd #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 6 00:26:10.3 00:00:48.1 16:03:59 02:31:26.6
3rd #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 6 00:26:07.2 00:00:48.2 16:04:47 02:32:14.8
http://gncclive.tracksideonlineresults.com/

raglanash

23rd March 2009, 08:34

Last lap, closed a bit on Mullins, Strang's gone.

1st #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 7 00:25:53.7 Class Leader 16:29:05 02:56:32.2
2nd #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 7 00:26:10.7 00:01:05.1 16:30:10 02:57:37.3
3rd #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 7 00:25:58.2 00:00:35.8 16:30:46 02:58:13.1

raglanash

23rd March 2009, 14:45

Came in 3rd but still has the championship lead.

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 2 1 3 76
2 SUZ 005 CHARLES MULLINS 1 4 2 73
3 SUZ 003 JOSHUA STRANG 15 3 1 57
4 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 3 5 5 53
5 KAW 006 JIMMY JARRETT 6 2 16 45

takitimu

24th March 2009, 11:48

I'll beat denill to the punch ( love the last sentence, "If I can continue with limiting a bad day to third place then that's not so bad." ).

Race Report: GNCC Round 3, Steele Creek Morganton
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Result: 3rd

Sitting on the line with the 10 second flag out ready to be waved to signal the start. I was confident of another good start and my leg was quivering in anticipation of the the action. The flag is thrown and the race is on. My KX fired up fast and I shot to turn one with the leaders. Charlie Mullins just pipped me for the hole shot but I dove under him on turn two into the lead. We had a small grass track section and then into the woods. Charlie retook the lead again not long after we hit the woods and set out on a fast pace. As soon as we got into the woods and began hitting the big holes and bumps I new I was in for a long day. The course was rough and I had gone for a softer suspension setup for this race and this was a bad choice on my behalf. The RG3 suspension was working great on all the roots and smaller bumps but was bottoming in the holes and braking bumps that dominated the track. Rain the week leading up to the event had dampened our efforts of testing with soggy tracks that made things difficult to really pound out some laps and test the setup. As a result I tightened up and rode poorly on the first couple of laps. Charlie got away from me and soon Josh Strang moved by me as well and was on a mission. Glen Kearney also caught up and we battled for a while until I loosened up and set off after the leaders. But there was no catching Josh and Charlie, they were riding great and they had put some time on me. I tried to close the gap but all I could do was minimize the damage.
Josh coming in for his first win this season and Charlie taking second. I filled out the podium with a third. I was a little disappointed in my efforts and would have liked to have raced more with Josh and Charlie, but after thinking about it, I had a bad day and still came away with a podium result. If I can continue with limiting a bad day to third place then that's not so bad.

Thanks to my sponsors for their continued support:
GEICO, Kawasaki, Moose, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Pirelli, RG3, Leo Vince, Pro Moto Billet, Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC brakes, Tsubaki chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Motion Pro, Works Connection, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Rekluse, Moto SR, Stringfellows

raglanash

6th April 2009, 09:34

This GNCC site is shit, can' see who won yet but looking at this I'd say Whibley was right up Strang heading into the last lap. They would have gone for another lap if they came in at 2hrs 59. 30 unless it was extremely muddy or somthing..

1st #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 6 00:29:46.1 Class Leader 16:23:10 02:59:30.5
2nd #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 6 00:29:40.8 00:00:01.4 16:23:12 02:59:32.0
3rd #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 6 00:30:50.5 00:01:12.6 16:24:24 03:00:44.7
4th #116 KTM NATHAN A KANNEY 6 00:32:07.1 00:02:29.5 16:26:54 03:03:14.3
5th #007 YAM THADDEUS DUVALL 6 00:31:42.6 00:02:33.4 16:29:27 03:05:47.7

denill

7th April 2009, 06:42

Race: Round 4 GNCC, Union, SC
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX450F
Result: 2nd

My Kawasaki shot me to another great start, rounding the first turn in third behind Nate Kanney and leader Charlie Mullins.
Some of the early sections of the lap weaved through open fields that were dusty and rough. Once we got back into the woods the track conditions were near perfect. It was a little tough to find places to pass as there was generally one fast line through the trees.

Mid lap I was able to pass Nate as we took alternate lines through a small mud hole. Charlie had opened up about 15 seconds on me but I worked hard and closed down that gap and within a lap. There were several tight sections and Charlie is very good in these conditions, he would at times open a small gap but I was able to regain any lost ground when the terrain opened up a little.

The track had a lot of roots in places and some were pretty slippery, I was glad I had my WER steering damper on to help take some of the impact and keep my front wheel going were its pointed. Combine this with the Pirelli tires and I had plenty of traction throughout the race.

After the fuel stop there again was a bunch of us battling for the lead. Josh Strang had closed up and Glenn Kearney shot to the lead when he elected to go one more lap before gassing. Glenn set a fast pace and was riding great. I thought this might be the race were he finally gets his well over due first win. Sadly it didn't work out and he ran out of gas half a lap later. This left me to battle it out with team Suzuki.

Josh took the lead and as the laps wound down and I knew that passing was going to be tough near the end of the lap as there was a tight section before the finish line. I made my move just after a mud hole on the last lap and took the lead. Josh was riding great and a couple miles later he retook the lead not to far from the tight stuff. I pushed hard but couldn't find anywhere to make anything happen.

Josh rode an awesome race taking the win, I had to settle for second. We had pushed each other hard and pulled about a minute over Charlie, in third, on the last lap.

The JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy team is running great and their continued hard work in the pits is keeping me up front in the races. Thanks guys and girls.

Thanks to the following sponsors for their continued support:
GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy, Moose Racing, Pirelli, RG3 suspension, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Motion Pro, Works Connection, Rekluse clutches, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Moto SR

denill

7th April 2009, 06:45

XC1 Pro - Class Points RND 1 RND 2 RND 3 RND 4 Total

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 2 1 3 2 101
2 SUZ 005 CHARLES MULLINS 1 4 2 3 94
3 SUZ 003 JOSHUA STRANG 15 3 1 1 87
4 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 3 5 5 4 71
5 KTM 150 KURT CASELLI 7 6 6 7 58
6 KAW 006 JIMMY JARRETT 6 2 16 10 56
7 YAM 010 BARRY HAWK JR 5 17 8 6 48
8 KAW 011 JESSE ROBINSON 9 22 9 8 37
9 YAM 007 THADDEUS DUVALL 26 4 5 34
10 HON 380 RYAN GAINEY 17 12 11 11 33
11 KTM 009 SHANE WATTS 14 19 10 12 29
12 HSQ 008 GLENN KEARNEY 10 23 15 9 29
13 KAW 022 KENNETH GILBERT 19 10 12 15 28
14 KTM 113 HOMERO DIAZ 11 7 24
15 HSB 014 DUSTIN GIBSON 8 DNF 13 21

takitimu

7th April 2009, 07:26

XC1 Pro - Class Points RND 1 RND 2 RND 3 RND 4 Total

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 2 1 3 2 101

Nice consistency !!!, wonder what changes Josh Strang has made last couple of races, or maybe just they are courses that suit him, whereas Paul is the best or very nearly the best on all the courses so far.

denill

14th April 2009, 08:59

<A HREF=http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/04/13/whibley-tops-oma-opener>Whibs starts on the Kawasaki - where he left on the Suzuki:</A>

denill

14th April 2009, 14:05

Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Race: OMA Round 1, Nashville TN
Rider: Paul Whibley
Bike: KX450F
Result:1st

The Kawasaki looked great in front of the GEICO rig all stickered up by Powersport graphics and sporting the number one plate. It was a little strange seeing that number one on my bike as for several years Jimmy Jarrett has owned it.
There was a strong turn out for the opening round of the OMA series. Attracting top riders from the GNCCs, National Enduros and even a rider from Finland.

Off the start my KX shot me to an easy hole shot and I led the way into the tight fresh woods. About a mile into the lap I think a vine snagged around my foot peg as we dropped down a small hill. Before I knew it I was flipped upside down and shot over the bars. I picked myself up and got the bike turned around but had lost a lot of positions. Once rolling again I picked off the riders as fast as I could, knowing Jimmy was up front and pulling away. I got into second and began to close in. My goggles had been ruined as I passed some riders while chasing Jimmy and I needed to pit at the end of lap two for a fresh pair.

I was in sight of Jimmy now and a lightning fast stop, care of Katherine, Jt, and Monty allowed me to maintain that visual. Over the next couple of laps we pushed hard but the track was tight and passing was tough. Jimmy came into pit for fuel after 4 laps, I went 1 more lap before gassing. With the lead I put my head down to make some time so I could leave the pits after my stop still in the lead. I rode fast enough and came out from the pits after five laps with a 5 second lead.

I continued to push and opened a small gap. But just as I was getting comfortable my chain came off in one of the rocky sections. Jimmy flew past as I was refitting the chain. In a true sportsman fashion asking if I was ok, on the way by. The race was on again!
I caught back up and began looking for a way around. Jimmy made a small mistake and stalled his bike, I retook the lead and tried to make a break although it was hard to do with all the lapped traffic. Over the last couple of laps I opened up about a 30 second lead and took that to the chequers.

Its good to get the first win taken care of in the OMAs and the team taking a 1, 2, 4 finish.

1st: P. Whibley
2nd: J. Jarrett
3rd: J. Tomas
4th: S. Watkins

Thanks to the following sponsors for their continued support:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Pirelli, RG3 suspension, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/ Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Rekluse, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Works Connection, Motion

raglanash

20th April 2009, 08:47

Racing now, it don't look so good

1st #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 4 00:30:43.9 Class Leader 15:30:54 01:54:22.1
2nd #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 4 00:31:32.3 00:00:02.2 15:30:56 01:54:24.3
3rd #007 YAM THADDEUS DUVALL 4 00:31:36.2 00:00:01.7 15:30:58 01:54:26.1
4th #006 KAW JIMMY JARRETT 4 00:32:11.2 00:01:39.0 15:32:37 01:56:05.2
5th #010 YAM BARRY HAWK JR 4 00:31:22.0 00:00:01.2 15:32:38 01:56:06.4
6th #008 HSQ GLENN J KEARNEY 4 00:35:15.9 00:05:38.5 15:38:17 02:01:45.0
7th #014 KAW DUSTIN M GIBSON 4 00:33:38.2 00:01:25.6 15:39:42 02:03:10.7
8th #022 KAW KENNETH S GILBERT 4 00:34:35.6 00:00:59.8 15:40:42 02:04:10.6
9th #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 3 00:31:01.3 00:00:31.8 14:59:55 01:23:23.9
10th #011 KAW JESSE A ROBINSON 3 00:35:07.4 00:04:49.4 15:10:56 01:34:24.3

takitimu

20th April 2009, 08:54

9th #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 3 00:31:01.3 00:00:31.8 14:59:55 01:23:23.9
10th #011 KAW JESSE A ROBINSON 3 00:35:07.4 00:04:49.4 15:10:56 01:34:24.3

Ouch lost 14 minutes on the 4th lap, that does not sound good, hope he's not hurt.

raglanash

20th April 2009, 09:42

1st #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 6 00:31:48.4 Class Leader 16:33:50 02:57:18.2
2nd #006 KAW JIMMY JARRETT 6 00:31:23.3 00:02:34.6 16:36:24 02:59:52.8
3rd #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 6 00:32:46.4 00:00:16.4 16:36:41 03:00:09.3
4th #010 YAM BARRY HAWK JR 6 00:32:32.3 00:00:55.3 16:37:36 03:01:04.6
5th #008 HSQ GLENN J KEARNEY 5 00:32:29.4 00:05:42.2 16:10:46 02:34:14.5
6th #014 KAW DUSTIN M GIBSON 5 00:34:20.5 00:03:16.7 16:14:03 02:37:31.2
7th #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 5 00:32:24.6 00:04:03.5 16:18:06 02:41:34.8
8th #011 KAW JESSE A ROBINSON 5 00:34:29.3 00:01:44.2 16:19:51 02:43:19.0
9th #022 KAW KENNETH S GILBERT 5 00:42:01.5 00:02:53.0 16:22:44 02:46:12.1
10th #504 KAW TRAVIS GREEN 5 00:37:37.2 00:09:17.0 16:32:01 02:55:29.2

raglanash

20th April 2009, 15:56

Bugger..

Strang Makes it Three-Straight with Loretta Lynn GNCC Victory
Jarrett and Mullins on podium

Strang sits on top of the points lead after his third win.Hurricane Mills, TN (April 19, 2009) -- FMF Makita Suzuki's Josh Strang slid to his third straight Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series win by taking the victory at Loretta Lynn Ranch, round five of the 2009 GNCC Series, in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. Strang's win came after a dynamic six laps of racing that saw riders battling muddy hills and bike problems. The 20-year-old Australian finished around two minutes ahead of GEICO/JG Racing Monster Kawasaki's Jimmy Jarrett and his Suzuki teammate Charlie Mullins, and he also fended off challenges from a pair of XC2 Pro Lites class riders, Jarrett's teammate Scotty Watkins, and Shock Doctor KTM's Kailub Russell.

"There's still a long way to go," Strang said, careful not to get too excited about his three-race win streak. "This was a tough race and I'm happy to be up here in first. This is where I knew I could be. "

The Loretta Lynn track was in fine form today.Loretta Lynn Ranch saw heavy rains all morning, but by the PM race for the pro riders, the rain had stopped and the sun started to shine. Lieutenant GNCC Trail Boss Buren Hamrick said this track "was back like the old Loretta Lynn track," with a muddy hill, mud hole or water bar waiting around every turn.

Shock Doctor KTM's Kurt Caselli was the first off the line and nabbed the $250 MotorcycleUSA.com holeshot award, as Mullins and Jarrett crashed in the first turn. Caselli slipped behind as Mullins recovered from his crash and put in a hard to charge to lead the first two laps in the XC1 class, with Am-Pro FMF Yamaha's Thad Duvall, Strang, Jarrett and Am-Pro FMF Yamaha's Barry Hawk on his heels. Geico/JG Racing Monster Kawasaki's Paul Whibley, the GNCC points leader coming into the race, began gaining on the group as they made their way through the 12-mile track. The group traded in and out of positions in their class, but XC2 Watkins had actually climbed into first overall on adjusted time on lap one, and by the second lap, Russell passed Watkins to take the overall lead.

By the fourth lap, bike problems began setting in for Whibley, who broke a chain, and the Shock Doctor KTMs of Nate Kanney and Caselli. DuVall then charged into the lead in his class and overall, followed by Mullins and Russell in the fourth lap. Watkins was close behind Russell and when Russell stopped for an extended pit to get the mud out of his eyes, Watkins took the XC2 lead back.

"I think I ride a little bit better when it's muddy and nasty," Watkins said. "The conditions really went with my talent."

XC1 rookie DuVall looked like a contender for his first-ever GNCC overall win as he battled Mullins and Strang, but he lost his fuel line on the fifth lap, costing him a bunch of time. Then Strang started charging ahead, pulling a lead on Mullins as the white flag went out. Jarrett was able to get past Mullins on the last lap to take second, with Mullins in third. Hawk scored a season-best fourth place, with Husqvarna's Glenn Kearney similarly taking his season-best with a fifth. Dustin Gibson came in sixth on his Husaberg followed by Whibley in seventh and Jesse Robinson in eighth. Ryan Gainey and South African Kenny Gilbert rounded out the top ten.

XC1 Pro:

1. Josh Strang (SUZ)

2. Jimmy Jarrett (KAW)

3. Charles Mullins (SUZ)

4. Barry Hawk (YAM)

5. Glenn Kearney (HSQ)

6. Dustin Gibson (HBG)

7. Paul Whibley (KAW)

8. Jesse Robinson (KAW)

9. Ryan Gainey (HON)

10. Kenneth Gilbert (KAW)

XC1 Points: 1. Josh Strang (117/ 3 wins), 2.Paul Whibley (115/1) 3. Charlie Mullins (115/1) 4. Jimmy Jarrett (81) 5. Nathan Kanney (79) 6. Barry Hawk Jr. (66) 7. Kurt Caselli (65) 8. Jesse Robinson (50) 9. Glenn Kearney (45) 10. Ryan Gainey (45)

denill

22nd April 2009, 06:56

Race: GNCC Round 5, Loretta Lynns TN
Team: JG Off Road, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Rider: Paul Whibley
Bike: KX 450F
Result: 7th class, 11th overall

Thunder storms were forecast for the day and a lot of rain falling overnight had already drowned the track. Heavy rain came through when the morning race started at 10am and was expected to continue all day but by the time we lined up the sun was trying to peak out. Although the damage had been done and the track was pretty water logged.

From the start I got filled in heading to turn one but emerged from the shower of blinding brown water in third. I was completely soaked through, my gloves were wet and slippery and my goggles were struggling with the shear volume of water being hurled at them from the bikes in front. During the first lap several of us traded the lead as we worked our way around the track. Most of the passing took place as we climbed the hills that had lines wiggling up them in all directions. We would each choose a line and emerge at the top in a rearranged order depending on who guessed the good line. I stopped for goggles after a lap and with a fresh view of the track worked my way back up to be in touch with the leaders.

On the second lap a lot of guys stopped for gas as the laps were slightly longer than normal. I got the signal to go another lap and tried to put in a good lap so I would still be near the front after I gassed on lap 3. I was struggling with arm pump a little as my gloves were so wet and slippery it made hanging on tough.
After I gassed and got new gloves I felt ready to make another charge but a couple of miles later I hit a slight snag. My chain came off. I jumped off ready to refit it and get back into the action. I soon realized that my master link was gone. Millions of things passed through my mind, most I cant print here but I quickly started thinking about damage limitation and how I could get back to the pits. I started to push my bike. A small uphill got the heart rate near the red line then it was down hill to a road that lead to the pits. By the time I got back and I had lost a lot of time. The team got me a new chain and back on the track as soon as possible. I was a long way back and just hoped to make it into the top 20 to score some points.

By the end of the race I was back to 7th in class and 11th overall. Still pretty bummed with the day but it could have been worse.
Jimmy Jarrett and Scotty Watkins kept the JG Off Road, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki flag flying with Jimmy taking 2nd overall and Scotty winning the XC2 class. JT even ran the morning race and took 2nd in his first race in a long time.

Thanks to my following sponsors for their continued support:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Pirelli, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, Rekluse, BRP, Motion Pro, Works Connection

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Find someone to snuggle up with No-one wants to be lonely this Autumn

denill

30th April 2009, 06:48

Race: Mid East Hare Scramble, Morganton, NC
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy
Bike: KX450F
Result: 1st

With a weekend away from the GNCC and OMA series I fitted in a Mid East Hare Scramble.
The sun was out and the temperature was climbing into the 90s. The track looked a little dry but after a quick walk in the woods there was still some moisture from rain earlier in the week.

The start line was uphill but the Kawasaki fired up quickly and I took the hole shot. I put my head down and got a comfortable lead right from the start. I was able to ride my own race and Katherine gave me regular pit boards on my lead. Time for a splash of gas, Katherine had it all ready to go and Evan (the landowner) gave a helping had and refueled me with the IMS dump can.
Back out on the track and the 2 laps to go board came out.

Amazingly there was a couple of mud holes that captured a few bikes also there was a pretty good spectator count around the two creek jumps and hill climb. I was thankful to have my Moose Sahara gear on, as the temperatures climbed I was able to keep my body temperature down in the vented gear.
Two hours of racing was up and the checkered flag came out. It was a great days racing and good practice and training ahead of the coming GNCC this weekend.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jordan Sain
3rd: Jesse Robinson

Thanks to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Pirelli, RG3 suspension, Moto SR, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, LeoVince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Enduro Engineering, Renthal, Rekluse, Motion Pro, Works connection

Ktmboy

30th April 2009, 13:01

takitimu

30th April 2009, 13:34

Have you noticed Whibs is starting to talk like the yanks do in the AMA.

"refueled me with the IMS dump can"
"thankful to have my Moose Sahara gear on,"
"Combine this with the Pirelli tires"

Well I guess he is a rock star now:Oops:wrong energy drink.

Mean bugger, it's pretty damn tough to avoid talking yank when you are around them all the time & he's what 3-4 years over there now :), I reckon major kudos to him for doing the updates, lots of riders doing better than him ( money wise if not result wise ) don't bother.

Mind you what are the odds someone is copywriting Whib's updates, coincidence that his teammate does profiles etc ??? ( second thoughts, given the spelling mistakes, maybe it was Whibs :whistle: ).

Ktmboy

30th April 2009, 21:56

Mean bugger, it's pretty damn tough to avoid talking yank when you are around them all the time & he's what 3-4 years over there now :), I reckon major kudos to him for doing the updates, lots of riders doing better than him ( money wise if not result wise ) don't bother.

Mind you what are the odds someone is copywriting Whib's updates, coincidence that his teammate does profiles etc ??? ( second thoughts, given the spelling mistakes, maybe it was Whibs :whistle: ).

It wasn't a dig, god damn it (best yanky drawl). The yank accent is very easy to pick up.
But its more the way they manage to include their sponsors into every conversation. Well coached you my say.
I was also wondering who his scribe its. Mrs Axeman??

takitimu

1st May 2009, 07:37

It wasn't a dig, god damn it (best yanky drawl). The yank accent is very easy to pick up.
But its more the way they manage to include their sponsors into every conversation. Well coached you my say.
I was also wondering who his scribe its. Mrs Axeman??

( queue southern drawl )
Well you'll accept my apologies then kind sir, I was overreacting and I'll have to be sure and visit with you sometime you hear. ( end queue )

She's a tough balance with the sponsors, they need mentioning, but heck it's hard to do & sound natural & provide emphasis on the sponsors, Chad Reed I reckon does a good job.

P.S. Once had a g'friend from Georgia, there is something about that Georgia accent & attitude.

raglanash

4th May 2009, 09:12

Looking good !!! Titan GNCC

1st #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 5 00:27:03.5 Class Leader 15:19:24 02:10:19.2
2nd #006 KAW JIM JARRETT 5 00:27:46.3 00:01:08.2 15:20:32 02:11:27.5
3rd #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 5 00:26:37.7 00:01:25.2 15:21:57 02:12:52.8
4th #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 5 00:27:34.1 00:01:53.5 15:23:51 02:14:46.3
5th #010 YAM BARRY HAWK JR 5 00:29:16.4 00:01:04.7 15:24:56 02:15:51.0
6th #150 KTM KURT W CASELLI 5 00:27:43.1 00:01:05.2 15:26:01 02:16:56.2
7th #100 YAM JASON RAINES 5 00:29:58.8 00:02:22.9 15:28:24 02:19:19.2
8th #008 HSQ GLENN J KEARNEY 5 00:30:00.3 00:00:34.6 15:28:58 02:19:53.8
9th #007 YAM THADDEUS DUVALL 5 00:32:57.9 00:02:53.9 15:31:52 02:22:47.7
10th #011 HSB JESSE A ROBINSON 5 00:29:37.1 00:02:05.7 15:33:58 02:24:53.5

raglanash

4th May 2009, 10:36

Back on top.

XC1 Pro -

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 145
2 SUZ 005 CHARLES MULLINS 136
3 SUZ 003 JOSHUA STRANG 135
4 KAW 006 JIMMY JARRETT 106
5 KTM 116 NATHAN KANNEY 89
6 YAM 010 BARRY HAWK JR 82
7 KTM 150 KURT CASELLI 80
8 KAW 011 JESSE ROBINSON 61
9 HSQ 008 GLENN KEARNEY 58
10 YAM 007 THADDEUS DUVALL 55

takitimu

4th May 2009, 11:52

Yep & another kawasaki 1/2 in Pro, with a 2nd in Pro Lites for the Geico/Kawasaki team, that has got to make them a happy camp :).

Another well earned 17,500 for whib's bank account ( http://www.gnccracing.com/pages/2009-gncc-contingency-programs/2009-kawasaki-contingency )

raglanash

5th May 2009, 08:47

Mud ??

http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/1170_whibley-back-again

denill

5th May 2009, 09:22

But its more the way they manage to include their sponsors into every conversation. Well coached you my say.

A lesson for the young prima donnas (read - spoilt brats) in the sport here.................... :whistle: :whistle:

denill

5th May 2009, 09:24

I was also wondering who his scribe its. Mrs Axeman??

My money says Mrs Axeman. Before Katherine was on the road permanently with Whibs the reports were obviously compiled by someone without a diploma in literature, lol. But it is a credit to Whibs and the team to keep the information flowing. Whibs of course is 'The Genuine Good Guy' deal. :yes: :yes:

denill

5th May 2009, 09:25

Mud ??

http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/1170_whibley-back-again

In Pahiatua that would be called - dust. ;) ;)

denill

6th May 2009, 07:23

Race: GNCC Round 6, Lafayette TN
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: KX450F
Result: 1st

Round 6 of the GNCC series looked to be a repeat of Round 5 with a lot of rain falling Friday and Saturday. The pits were a mess with vehicles bogged everywhere. Early Sunday there was talk that the morning race and the afternoon races would be combined but by 9am a revised schedule was announced. The morning race would be reduced to one hour and the afternoon race would probably be reduced to two hours. When we lined up and got the track description we were informed that the race would be at least two hours but not the full three hours like normal.

From the start my KX fired up quick and I emerged from the slop in 3rd behind Jimmy Jarrett and Josh Strang. Early in the lap I had a good line around a hill and took the lead, we swapped positions a lot. The racing was fun. The track was sloppy but it had a rocky base very similar to Loretta Lynns GNCC.

On the second lap, Josh and Jimmy gapped me a little. Josh had a good line up a hill that Jimmy and I missed. I was struggling to see through my goggles. My Smiths has dealt with about all the mud and rain any goggle could handle. I took them off and with the improved vision I caught back up to Josh and Jimmy quickly. I worked my way past both of them and began to build a lead.
A splash of gas in the pits and a fresh set of Smith roll offs and I was set. Back out on the track with new goggles I was able to pick up the pace and continued to buffer my lead.

With two laps to go I put in strong but safe lap times, looking after the bike and making it a great day for the JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki team.
I am back in the points lead now and plan to stay there.

Race Results:
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jimmy Jarrett
3rd: Charlie Mullins

Thanks to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Pirelli, LeoVince, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Shoei, Smith, Sidi, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, CTi, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Renthal, CV4, Enduro Engineering, Rekluse, Motion Pro, Works Connection

oldguy

6th May 2009, 07:29

That is awesome news, Go Paul:2thumbsup:first: thanks for the updates denill:niceone:

secondfield

6th May 2009, 23:26

Hear' hear. :woohoo:

secondfield

6th May 2009, 23:31

P.S. Once had a g'friend from Georgia, there is something about that Georgia accent & attitude.

Did she spank your arse red with a wet rubber chicken?
:Oops:

takitimu

7th May 2009, 00:15

Did she spank your arse red with a wet rubber chicken?
:Oops:

:calm: Your personal preferences are showing, but she was definitely enthusiastic :woohoo:.

Ktmboy

7th May 2009, 08:28

Did she spank your arse red with a wet rubber chicken?
:Oops:

Ha ha, Beautiful!!

denill

13th May 2009, 07:16

Race Report, OMA Rnd 2 Kentucky
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike, Kawasaki KX 450f
Result, 1st

Two rounds down and two wins in the bag. I was pretty pumped to take the win after surviving the tough conditions.

The race couldn't have gone better. My KX fired up super quick from the dead engine start and I nabbed the holeshot and the early lead. The track was really tight with a lot of trees down from a massive ice storm earlier this year and the ground was soft and cutting up fast. I know Jimmy Jarrrett is one of the best in the tight going so I wanted to put in some good laps right off the bat. I was leading the way but in the first mile I came across a part of track that hadn't been changed from the morning race. The tape was still across the trail we were suppose to take. A moment of confusion and lost time let Kurt Casselli into the lead briefly. I moved past him within a mile on a better line around one of the mud holes. Yes, mud holes on the first lap!!
Once back in the lead I put my head down and tried to create a gap.

I consistently made time and ran faster lap times throughout the race allowing me to edge away. Jimmy moved into second place but wasn't able to challenge for the lead. I was able to take the win by nearly 5 minutes. I was stoked to win in such trying conditions. The bike worked great and my modified setup for this event worked great. I was able to set up a softer power delivery with a different throttle cam with my G2 Throttle Cam system. I didn't need all the power a 450 can produce so quick in such a tight conditions so I slowed the delivery to allow maximum traction and minimum rider fatigue.

This is a great way to start my title defense in the OMA series and I hope to continue this form throughout the season.
Thanks also to Rekluse for the loaded baked potatoes they dished out to all the surviving riders. It was just what we needed after a thrashing on one of Bill Gusses tracks.

1st, Paul Whibley
2nd, Jimmy Jarrett
3rd, Kurt Caselli

Thanks to my sponsors,
GEICO, Monster Energy, Kawasaki,Moose Racing,Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Pirelli, RG3, Moto SR, Leo Vince, Promoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex, G2, PG grafix, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, No Toil, WER, BRP, Motion Pro, Works Connection, Rekluse, CV4, Renthal, Enduro Engineering.

Danger

13th May 2009, 10:30

Race Report, OMA Rnd 2 Kentucky
Rider, Paul Whibley
Team, JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike, Kawasaki KX 450f
Result, 1st

Two rounds down and two wins in the bag. I was pretty pumped to take the win after surviving the tough conditions.

LOL after some of the earlier posts about him starting to sound like a yank I was going to say at least hes not "super pumped" yet, but it might not be too far away going from the above lines!

Good riding though Axeman!:clap:

Reckless

13th May 2009, 12:24

Just read the last 3 pages as a catch up thanks Denhill for postings 10 points mate cheers!

Go the Axeman! LOL!! see some of those pics on their GNCC site those blokes aren't scared of a bit of mud are they!

Ktmboy

13th May 2009, 18:03

Well just quietly we have another Kiwi competing in GNCC in the USA....shhhhh

http://www.tornracing.com/Results.htm
Hes doing OK. No, sorry doing really well in the Experts and his results see him in the top couple of pro riders every race. Watch this space. Go to results page. Race 904.Under Open.

Shhhhh

charles23

13th May 2009, 18:48

Ktmboy

13th May 2009, 21:33

chop

13th May 2009, 22:07

:headbang::headbang:
He started out on a YZ250 2T and is now on a Honda 250R. Don't ask?

I think the deal is he gets to ride what ever the stable has. Bit like a jockey:ride:

This is the Texas GNCC but he also rides the Oklahoma races. Not the USA rounds...yet.

Come on KTMBOY you know better Started on a YZ125 Come YZ144 now Crf250

takitimu

14th May 2009, 01:23

He started out on a YZ250 2T and is now on a Honda 250R. Don't ask?

I think the deal is he gets to ride what ever the stable has. Bit like a jockey:ride:

This is the Texas GNCC but he also rides the Oklahoma races. Not the USA rounds...yet.

Mmm 30" a lap under the top pro, he's quick.

How would someone like that go about getting a bike & license & insurance & all that ugly stuff.

P.S. East Coast enduro's / hare scrambles would be more like riding Woodhill & you'd get to race lafferty ( 8 times national enduro champ )

denill

19th May 2009, 07:05

Race: GNCC Round 7, Somerset PA
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy
Bike: Kawasaki KX450F
Result: 7th class

What a race. Plenty of drama and excitement although not really the kind I had hoped for.
I got a great start again, something I am getting good at now or maybe it is just the Kawes' sweet motor and lightning quick reflexes. Anyhow I rounded the first turn beside Charlie Mullins and my team mate Jimmy Jarrett. After a couple of switch backs we dropped down a hill onto the track proper. Jimmy took the lead and I settled into 2nd.

The track was a lot faster than a normal GNCC terrain in the early part of the lap. I felt good and was soon looking for a way around Jimmy, shooting to the lead as we swept round a fast right hander. I rode a good pace and began to pull away. We entered the woods and the fabled Mountain Ridge rocks came out to greet us. Those suckers lay everywhere and at all kinds of random angles, and were covered in plenty of muddy slop. Although this year the amount of nasty rocky sections were reduced so the riders only hated life for 10 minutes at a time. By the end of the lap I was out to about a thirty second lead but I could feel my arms starting to tighten up a little, I backed it down over the second lap as I didn't want to pump up so bad that I couldn't ride. The temperature was pretty chilly and the track was fast in the open with plenty of rock, this seemed to be a recipe for more than normal arm pump.

Josh Strang and Charlie Mullins began to close in on the third lap. Josh caught me mid lap and snatched the lead as we came out of a woods section. He was riding fast and looked determined. He made a small amount of time on some fast stuff but to my surprise I caught back up quickly in the nasty rocky stuff that I didn't really think I was that fast through. RG3 had come up with a setting for the rocks that was working great and I had a smoother cam in my G2 Throttle Cam system so I think these mods were working for me.

The race was on. We came out of the woods and into some more faster tracks. Josh leading the way with me hot on his tail, Charlie tucked in behind me. On a fast corner I clipped an unseen rock with the front wheel and went down hard on my shoulder, Charlie thankfully managed to swerve and not run me over. I got going again although I had some of the wind knocked out of my sails.

Thad Duvall passed me as I was gathering myself, so back on the bike, I first ran him down and regained third spot just before the end of the lap. A quick gas stop and back out on the track, I was down about 30 seconds on Josh now but was making some small progress through the tight rocks. On the forth lap I continued to make some progress, in roads on the leaders and was confident of moving up in the positions. Disaster struck again on lap five when a small slip in the rock garden resulted in a massive hole smashed in the water pump cover. I saw all the coolant pour out and I could see my chances of a good result evaporating. I nursed the bike back to the pits and to be honest I was lucky to get that far through the demanding trail.

In the pits some frantic swapping of parts saw the pump cover from my spare bike fitted and fresh coolant added. Back in the race but down a lot of positions I charged out of the pits. Steam was pouring out from my bike so a u turn was performed and into the pits again. It seemed like there was a hole in the radiator some where. Quick thinking saw pepper dumped in to try block the invisible hole. Back out on the track again and on a mission I was outside the top 10 but manged to make some passes on the last lap to claim 7th spot.

Pretty disappointed with the final result but happy to come away with some valuable points when a DNF looked set for the scorecard.
A big THANK YOU to Jt, Monty, Jimmy, Larry, Wyatt, Patrick, Gretchen and Katherine who all helped me in that frantic pit stop.

Thank you to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy, Moose Racing, Pirelli, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, Rekluse, CV4, BRP, Motion Pro, Works Connection

denill

19th May 2009, 07:21

Mountain Ridge GNCC
Somerset, Pennsylvania

XC1 Finish:
1. Joshua Strang (Suz)
2. Charlie Mullins (Suz)
3. Barry Hawk (Yam)
4. Nathan Kanney (KTM)
5. Glenn Kearney (HSQ)
6. Kurt Caselli (KTM)
7. Paul Whibley (Kaw)
8. Jimmy Jarrett (Kaw)
9. Kenny Gilbert (Kaw)
10. Dustin Gibson (Kaw)

XC2 Finish
1. Kailub Russell (KTM)
2. Jason Thomas (Yam)
3. Cory Buttruck (KTM)
4. Scott Watkins (Kaw)
5. Jake Korn (KTM)

XC1 Point Standings: (After 7 of 13 races):
1. Josh Strang (165/4 wins); 2. Charles Mullins (161/1 win); 3. Paul Whibley (159/2 wins); 4. Jimmy Jarrett (119); 5. Nathan Kanney (107); 6. Barry Hawk (103); 7.Kurt Casselli (95); 8. Glenn Kearney (74); 9.
Jesse Robinson (70); 10.Thad Duvall (63).

denill

26th May 2009, 07:37

Race Report: OMA Round 3, Rio Grande OH
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Off Road, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Result: 1st

Round 3 of the OMA series brought warm temperatures (90s/30s) and a faster track than round 2.

It was at this track last year that I won my very first OMA event and started my 7 race winning steak that led to the championship. So I was feeling good about the track and looking forward to a good race. My shoulder was still pretty sore after the crash at the GNCC the previous weekend. I had tried to ride on Thursday but it was too weak so I was relying on the adrenaline to make it all better on race day.

Lining up on the start, the sun was beating down, sweat was already flowing freely. I got another great jump of the line although Jimmy Jarrett beat me to the first turn, he ran wide and I was able to sneak up the inside and take the hole shot. I settled into a good rhythm and soon found myself opening up a lead. By the time we had completed a lap I was out to about a 30 second lead. The track was pretty fun with a good mix of fast open woods and fields with the typical tight technical trails that Gusse just can't help himself including to challenge all.

I came around to complete the second lap and Katherine gave me the pit board saying that I was out to about a 50 sec lead. I was enjoying the track and my shoulder wasn't bothering me too much, just when you really have to distort your body to avoid clipping a tree, that sudden movement would send a sharp flash through my shoulder. Maybe it was just my body trying to remind me that tagging a tree is never good.

Gas stop after 3 laps went smooth thanks to Monty, Katherine, Joy and the rest of the JG Off Road crew. On the following lap I had a bit of a moment on one of the creek jumps. A rut was forming where I was landing, from bikes climbing out of the creek. This rut was on an angle and right were I placed my front end. I saw this rut at the last second, it had got a lot worse and tried to pull the front end up to get the front over it and avoid an endo. Instead when I landed on the far side my weight was too far back and I got all out of shape and whiskey throttled it, I almost ended up back in the creek further along the track.

Well I ended up in the creek, my bike managed to stay up on the bank. I got going again pretty quick but this helped Jimmy to close the gap back to about 20 seconds. I saw he was closer on one of the switch back grass tracks and stepped it up, regaining my time buffer over the last couple of laps and crossed the line at the conclusion of the event with over a minute lead.

Jimmy maintained second spot ahead of Thad DuVall who had began to put some pressure on him on the last lap.

Results:
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Jimmy Jarrett
3rd: Thad DuVall
4th: Jason Thomas
5th: Scotty Watkins

Thanks to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy, Moose Racing, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Pirelli, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, Renthal, WER, BRP, Rekluse, CV4, Motion Pro, Works Connection, Enduro Engineering

denill

2nd June 2009, 07:22

Race: AWRCS Round 4, Clintonville PA
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: KX450F
Result: 1st

With a weekend off from the GNCC and OMA races I saw there was an AWRCS event on. We went across and stayed with JT and Gretchen for a few days before the event. Katherine and Joy (her Mum) did the touristy thing around Pittsburgh while JT and I did some riding and training. Come race day JT decided that it was best for him to man the pits, maybe all the running, mountain biking and riding had slowed him down a little. I was grateful that he had made this decision as Katherine struggles with lifting the gas can.

From the start I grabbed the hole shot and early lead. Heading out through a fast grass track section and heading towards the woods. We entered the woods and onto some fresh trail. I found it a little hard to lead the way through the virgin trail following the black and white arrows as they just didn't stand out the same as the colored ones. Once back onto some of the used trails I was able to begin to pull a lead.

On the second lap with a few bikes over the trail it was more marked out and easier to follow. The track was pretty rocky and rooty in places and was good practice for the upcoming GNCC at Snow Shoe. There was also some bog holes to keep the riders on their toes. Into the pits after the third lap for a splash of gas and some fresh Smith goggles. Thanks to Katherine and JT I was out onto the track in record time.

Out on the track there was a creek jump. It turned into a bog jump as the quads from the morning race had it fairly torn up. There was a good bunch of spectators there cheering the racers on as we made the leap or plunged through the mud. A couple more laps and the 2 hours was up. It was a good event and the best practice for upcoming GNCCs and OMAs.

Thanks to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, Pirelli, CTi, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Motion Pro, Rekluse, CV4, Woks Connection

takitimu

8th June 2009, 10:53

Looks like another Whib's/Jarret 1/2, well done Whib's who's back to points leader :)

1st #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY 6 00:29:15.0 Class Leader 16:42:17 03:01:17.8
2nd #006 KAW JIM JARRETT 6 00:29:54.7 00:00:42.3 16:43:00 03:02:00.2
3rd #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG 6 00:31:35.0 00:04:08.7 16:47:09 03:06:09.0
4th #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS 6 00:30:53.0 00:00:05.7 16:47:14 03:06:14.8
5th #010 YAM BARRY HAWK JR 6 00:31:02.1 00:00:22.6 16:47:37 03:06:37.4

Point table

1 KAW 002 PAUL WHIBLEY 2 1 3 2 7 1 7 1 189
2 SUZ 003 JOSHUA STRANG 15 3 1 1 1 4 1 3 186
3 SUZ 005 CHARLES MULLINS 1 4 2 3 3 3 2 4 179
4 KAW 006 JIM JARRETT 6 2 16 10 2 2 8 2 144
5 YAM 010 BARRY HAWK JR 5 17 8 6 4 5 3 5 119

denill

9th June 2009, 11:09

Race: Round 8 GNCC Series, Millfield Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: KX450F
Result: 1st

The weather at this years "John Penton GNCC" was a little different than the slop at last years event but the result for me was the same. Last year I had raced past my Suzuki team mate Josh Strang for the win. This year I battled it out with my JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki team mate Jimmy Jarrett, only opening a lead on the last lap.

Track conditions were near perfect with tacky soil and some fresh trails. From the start I grabbed a sweet hole shot and led the race out to about the 3 mile marker. The track turned off the used quad trail and into some tight virgin woods, I missed the arrows and ran wide allowing Glenn Kearney past and into the lead. Glenn set a good pace and blazed a line through the woods till we popped back out on some used trail several miles later. About the 9 mile marker I inherited the lead as Glenn dropped his front end in a mud hole and flopped over the bars.

I led the way as we came out onto the Moto X track after completing the 12 mile loop and passed through scoring and the pits. Jimmy had moved into second and was chasing me hard as we began to pull away from the rest of the pack. I lead the way for most of the race although several times Jimmy took full advantage of lappers running mobile chicanes and had his turn at leading.

Two and a half hours of battling it out on the demanding track with temperatures touching the 90s/30s it would come down to the last lap. I led the way as we left the scoring beginning the final lap. I upped the pace and began to open a small gap over Jimmy. I kept the intensity up right to the finish to claim the win and move back into the points lead. Jimmy rode a great race and we had pushed each other close to 2 minutes clear of Josh Strang in third place.

Results:
1st- P. Whibley
2nd- J. Jarrett
3rd- J. Strang
4th- C. Mullins
5th- B. Hawk

Thanks to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Shoei, Smith, Sidi, Pirelli, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, LeoVince, CTi, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, CV4, Rekluse, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Motion Pro, Works Connection

denill

9th June 2009, 11:10

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/06/08/whibley-stars-in-ohio-gncc>And Cycle News.com Wrote:</A>

denill

9th June 2009, 11:13

So have the Kawasakis really got the package this year? Or is it just the riders? :whistle: :whistle:

takitimu

9th June 2009, 12:36

So have the Kawasakis really got the package this year? Or is it just the riders? :whistle: :whistle:

Well Nick Saunders on Mike Cotters KX450F monstered the CR500's at the Dash 4 Dash in Whangarei, including the one that won last year.

Villipoto was going awesome in the Outdoors & a EnduroCross guy got 6th in Round 3 of the AMA motocross on a KX450F.

What the hell am I getting at :), the bike appears to be a ripper, but personally I think it's 85% the rider, Whib's wrote somewhere that he expects to be on the Podium & hates not being 1st, seems to me that is a perfect attitude, from the outside he just appears to be growing stronger & more comfortable winning each race.

P.S. I don't see anyone calling him a journeyman anymore like they were 2 years back :)

denill

16th June 2009, 07:40

Race Report: CRA XC Series
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Off Road, GEICO, Monter Energy Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Results: 1st

A gap in the busy schedule allowed me to hit up a CRA event at LL Raceway in PA in the weekend.
My team mate Scotty Watkins came along too, so there was going to be some competition there. The course had a great variety of hill climbs, mud holes, grass track and single track trails.

I got a great start, again my KX fired me to the hole shot and early lead. I pushed hard and had about 20 seconds on Scotty after the first lap. The second lap it was out to 55 seconds. Scotty had been working the little KX 250F hard and one of the many sharp rocks that lay on the track bit through his tire and gave him a puncture.

With Scotty dropping back to fix his problem I was able to ride a comfortable race. Although I was watching my lap times and managed to put in my fastest and second fastest laps over the last 2 laps of the 2 hour race.
It was cool to go and race this local series. All the people and organizers were really friendly and grateful that the GEICO team came out to play.

Thanks to my Sponsors:
GEICO, Kawasaki Monster Energy, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, Pirelli, LeoVince, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, CTi, Pro Moto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, Renthal, BRP, Rekluse, CV4, Enduro Engineering, Works Connection, Motion Pro

camchain

16th June 2009, 14:45

Axeman going super strong, what a machine he is. He often seems to do even better in these non-GNCC events. Cheers Denill.

scott411

16th June 2009, 16:14

he is doing awesome this yeah, he is in the box seat, it always amazes me how he puts his fastest laps in near the end of a 2 or 3 hour race

takitimu

16th June 2009, 16:54

he is doing awesome this yeah, he is in the box seat, it always amazes me how he puts his fastest laps in near the end of a 2 or 3 hour race

Be interesting who was fitter Whibs or the Lizard :), it's a really good point on how Whib's always does his fastest laps at the end & if you read say Jimmy Jarretts comments, it definitely prays on the minds of his competition.

scott411

16th June 2009, 16:59

yes Strang has made comments about how hard Whibs comes on at the end as well and how he had to put extra effort in to compensate for it,

Ktmboy

16th June 2009, 20:49

he is doing awesome this yeah, he is in the box seat, it always amazes me how he puts his fastest laps in near the end of a 2 or 3 hour race

Well..I can see were he's at just quietly...I start slow and all my faster laps are at the end.

It all comes down to the amount of Rum drunk, and when it wears off you see.
If you have a early bed night, then you start strong, the hang over kicks in and you finish badly..

Drink like a fish till dawn as the Axeman and I do and your onto a winner, starting average, with a wee head, then bringing home the bacon in the arvo.

Freakin good theory ehhh?

The Lizard has it all wrong.

camchain

17th June 2009, 10:58

Rum eh? Always wondered how fast last laps were done. Is alcohol an MNZ sanctioned fuel though?

denill

23rd June 2009, 12:05

Race Report: OMA Series, Round 4
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: KX 450F
Result: 1st

Round 4 of the OMA series was held in Michigan over the weekend. Lining up ready for the start of the race, I was keen to continue my string of hole shots.

With the wave of the green flag we were blasting toward turn one. Jimmy Jarrett also had a good jump from the line and we dove into the corner fast, I had the inside and held my line, taking the money. Out on the track Jimmy was right on my tail but about mid lap I made a small mistake. In a tight section I clipped a tree at an incredible speed of warp factor, first gear and tucked the front in the loose sand. At this speed nothing is damaged but the lead was lost. I was back on the bike quickly and into the race before I lost second place. A mile or so later Jimmy dropped it too, handing the lead back. I led the rest of the lap but went down again in a slow corner when I hit an exposed rock just before we got to the scoring tent. Jimmy took the lead and ran with it, not making any more mistakes and holding me at bay till after the fuel stop. We were gassed up and back out on the track for the start of lap 5, and the racing continued. I was searching for a way around but this was difficult on such a tight track. I managed to get beside Jimmy several times but just couldn't make a pass stick.

After a lap of attempts Jimmy let me by. After the race he said he was struggling with stomach cramps and couldn't hold me up anymore so decided to let me go. Half a lap later I was left to complete the race alone at the front as Jimmy crashed in a rough section of the track.

Taking the win after 2 hours racing and extending my lead in the OMA series.
Scotty Watkins made it a 1, 2 for the JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki Team, bringing his KX 250F home in second place.

Thanks to my sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Pirelli, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, CTi, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, Renthal, BRP, Rekluse, CV4, Enduro Engineering, Works Connection, Motion Pro

oldguy

23rd June 2009, 17:33

thats awesome news cheers denill

denill

26th June 2009, 07:32

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/06/24/knight-to-ride-west-virginia-gncc>Hey Whibs, you've got company:</A> :mellow:

takitimu

26th June 2009, 09:02

Big time company, David Knight running an all black KX, the thing about that is I believe that means no contingency from Kawasaki ( $10k for a win ), but I could be wrong.

http://www.gnccracing.com/articles/1371_quick-fill-25-this-week-in-gncc

Money quotes.

"So by last Friday, Knight was officially a free agent, and the Kawasaki rumor came together. We have heard he'll be on a "stealth" looking Kawi with black plastic and graphics, and he will not be receiving any direct support from Kawasaki. His old friend Bart Hayes from RidePG.com will help put the bike and pits together for Knight. "

"Seriously, how will Knight match up against the current series' front runners? We have no idea, and neither do they. That's what makes it so fun.
Since this track will be tough, it's hard to bet against Paul Whibley to take it all on bikes:"

MY prediction Whibley/Strang/Barrett with a Mechanical DNF for Knighter.

denill

26th June 2009, 09:20

takitimu

26th June 2009, 09:31

Thanks Nigel.
The Link to Adam Reeves was interesting.

There's another curved ball, how many races before Adam gets in the top 5, I'd guess it'll take him 2-3, but if he's practising with Jimmy & Paul, maybe he really disrupts things big time from the beginning.

It'll be like the trotting in the US, there'll be kiwi riders all over the place the way this is going :) ( Every 2nd race there is a kiwi horse at Meadowlands NJ, which if you've watched the Soprano's you'll have seen ).

raglanash

29th June 2009, 09:16

Snowshoe
1st #001 KAW DAVID KNIGHT
2nd #002 KAW PAUL J WHIBLEY
3rd #5004 KTM NATHAN A KANNEY
4th #005 SUZ CHARLES MULLINS
5th #006 KAW JIM JARRETT
6th #003 SUZ JOSHUA V STRANG
7th #5005 HSB Jesse A Robinson
8th #022 KAW KENNETH S GILBERT
9th #151 KTM CHARLES J SUMMEY
10th #150 KTM KURT W CASELLI

secondfield

29th June 2009, 09:34

Well, bugger me, Knighter still got the pace eh, even on a brand new machine..

takitimu

29th June 2009, 09:53

Whibs had to fight back from 5th so be an interesting update from him - knighter sure proved he has the pace on a good bike !!

denill

30th June 2009, 09:47

Whibs had to fight back from 5th so be an interesting update from him - knighter sure proved he has the pace on a good bike !!

Yeah it will be interesting to read Whib's take. It's good the Knighter is back 'cos when Whibs beats him that will make him the best in the world. :shifty: :shifty:

He could have used the ten US grand I would expect tho...............

"Defending GNCC Champion Knight, who just recently left a BMW ride in Europe, took home the $10,000 overall win, as well as an additional $1000 for topping the XC1 class. The big-purse Snowshoe event also paid a $5000 bonus to Whibley and $3000 to Kanney."

Katoomer

30th June 2009, 14:54

Whibs had some help from Mother Nature.

"The race broke down to a Knight versus Strang battle for the win. In the fifth lap, disaster struck for Strang when he crashed into a deer in the woods of the course, leaving Whibley to make up significant time and climb into second place. The deer essentially allowed Whibley to extend his GNCC points lead over Strang.

"It was a long day for me," Whibley said. "I couldn't get up with them today. I managed to come in second and get some points. Jarrett and I got stuck in a mud hole for awhile and Josh passed us by. I never saw him again."

denill

1st July 2009, 07:40

Race: GNCC Round 9, Snowshoe, WV
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: KX450F
Result: 2nd

Lining up on the tarmac ready for the live engine start. This start system is unique to the Snowshoe event with the riders seeded into rows of five and released at 10 second intervals. Also unique to the Snowshoe event this year was the 20 plus mile lap. The lap was kind of in two parts, the first part was out on one side of the mountain with the second part out on the other side.

With the wave of the green flag we were away. I was on the front row and rounded the first turn in third behind Barry Hawk and Josh Strang. The first mile of the lap was pretty fast gravel roads and I made a couple of moves and got to the lead. I led the way for the first half of lap one until I got stuck in a mud hole letting some guys by while I lifted my bike out. I had lost some time and Josh Strang and David Knight had taken up the sharp end of the field and ran with it.

The track was pretty good with a mix of fast roads and tight technical rock and root sections that were not to tough but a fair challenge. Some of the roads were a little dusty and in the rocks care was needed to preserve the bike with plenty of riders damaging parts with the slightest slip.

I didn't feel comfortable out on the track and soon found myself in a race with Jimmy Jarret and Charlie Mullins. Both of them ended up in front of me until I managed to sort myself out a little and move back by them. I worked my way up to third but David and Josh were riding great and had gapped me. I continued to put in the best times that I could and was solid in third.

As we came through the pits for the last time I got a pit board saying I was up to second. I wasn't sure what had happened up front but when I crossed the line I saw Knighter so I guessed Josh had problems. I soon learned that he had hit a deer and crashed hard. That was a tough break for Josh as he had rode a great race and had me beat.

With my second place result I was able to extend my points lead in the series with only four rounds to go.

We now have a two month break in the GNCC series for summer. Although this will not be a quiet time for me as there are four rounds of the OMA series during this time and a round of the Enduro X series. This will help keep me sharp for the next round of the GNCC series in early September.

Thanks to my sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Sidi, Smith, Shoei, Pirelli, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, RG3 Suspension/Moto SR, CTi, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Renthal, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, CV4, Rekluse, No Toil, WER, BRP, Enduro Engineering, Works Connection, Motion Pro, Ohlins

takitimu

1st July 2009, 08:05

Nice update, thanks

Kind of a shame Whibs does not get another race against Knighter before the summer break, but ah well, looking forward to when racing resumes, I reckon I might need check if(make sure) work needs me in New York for September 12th.

denill

14th July 2009, 11:25

Race: OMA Round 5, Hixton Wisconsin
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: KX 450F
Result: 1st

Stuck in the sweat box van for the 12 hour drive to the OMA in Wisconsin was no fun. The AC had blown out a couple weeks earlier, although doing 80mph (130km) down I 90 with your head and as many other body parts as you can fit out the window also works to cool the core temperature.

The track was a new venue for the OMA series but was a little shorter lap than normal. A Moto X track was the centre of the loop and held some fun jumps. The trail was fresh and had a lot of off cambers and plenty of logs to hop over. The area hadn't seen any decent rain for a while and was pretty dry and dusty so the start would be critical.
Lining up with a game plan to get a good start and run with it. I knew I could hole shot having taken that prize at each of the previous OMAs this season.

With the wave of the flag my GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki sprang to life and shot me to another hole shot. I put my head down and tried to make a gap right off the bat. After a lap I had about 26 second lead so I tried to maintain that buffer although with a short lap we were quickly into lapped traffic and many of these riders were struggling with the technical, tight trail.
I was amazed as I came around to complete another lap that my lead had grown, as it was tough to be the first guy to run up behind the lappers and blaze a way through. A lot of these riders were pretty courteous though and moved over where they could.

By the fuel stop I had a good lead with my teammates Jimmy Jarrett and Scotty Watkins battling over second spot with the returning Brian Garrahan.
The chequered flag flew and I took the win. Scotty secured second spot and Brian came home third. Jimmy went down late in the race injuring his arm and putting a hole through his lip.

1st: Paul Whibley, JG Offroad ,GEICO, Montser Energy Kawasaki
2nd: Scotty Watkins, JG Offroad, GEICO, Montster Energy Kawasaki
3rd: Brian Garrahan, Yamaha
4th: Nick Farringer, Husaberg

Thanks to my sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Pirelli, Sidi, Smith, Shoei, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, Leo Vince, CTi, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, P.G. Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, CV4, Rekluse, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Works Connection, Motion Pro, Ohlins USA

denill

14th July 2009, 11:28

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/07/13/whibley-tops-wisconsin-oma>What Cycle News Said:</A>

WRFracer

14th July 2009, 11:40

<a href=http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/07/13/whibley-tops-wisconsin-oma>What Cycle News Said:</A>

Hey thats bad news about Jarrett he was doing really well in the GNCC's this year.

secondfield

15th July 2009, 22:28

Hey thats bad news about Jarrett he was doing really well in the GNCC's this year.

True... they are very well matched this year...

Hey'.... go over there :2guns: and feed it to them mate

denill

16th July 2009, 08:53

Hey thats bad news about Jarrett he was doing really well in the GNCC's this year.

Not many more sleeps and you'll be there.

Good luck and when keep us informed on your progress Adam. :yes: :yes:

takitimu

4th August 2009, 13:00

OMA Rd - 6 Millville, Minnesota

http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/off-road/2009/08/03/whibley-hangs-on-for-millville-oma-win

Motocrosser Alex Martin gave Paul Whibley (pictured) his greatest challenge so far in the Parts Unlimited Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals, but when round six - the Motion Pro Spring Creek Grand Prix at Spring Creek MX Park in Millville, Minnesota - ended, Whibley used his superior conditioning as well as his woods speed to keep his win streak alive. Martin easily held on for second while Whibley's teammate Scott Watkins rounded out the podium.

If anyone was going to beat Whibley, it was Martin at this, his home track (he literally grew up at the facility his father, former AMA National Hare Scrambles Champion John Martin, owns and runs). A break in the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship gave Martin the chance to mix it up with the OMA's best on his Spring Creek MX/Ti Lube/Storm Lake Honda CRF250R. Though the dead-engine start found him lagging the field, he quickly stormed through the pack until only Whibley remained in front of him.

JG Off-Road/GEICO Powersports/Monster Energy Kawasaki's Whibley did most of the leading, but he couldn't shake Martin, who demonstrated clearly superior speed on the motocross track he's done so many laps around over the years.

To no one's surprise, the woods proved to be Whibley's strong point. "I knew he was going probably as good as he could go in the tight stuff, and I wasn't overly concerned that I couldn't beat him. I knew I could still go faster in the tight stuff."

He almost had to. A badly bent brake pedal almost two hours in forced an unscheduled pit stop for the RG3/Pirelli/Moose KX450F, but Martin needed a second splash of gas - a slow splash due to having no dry-break system on his stock MX tank with its twist-on gas cap.

"Right at the end there, I was still putting down those fast laps and that was good, but, unfortunately, Paul ended up getting [back] around me and I kind of dropped anchor big-time after that," he admitted. "I felt like I still finished the race strong and I'm fairly happy with my performance."

Watkins ran a solitary third - a couple minutes behind the leaders and a couple minutes up on fourth - aboard his Silkolene/FMF/Shoei-backed KX250F. Cole Kirkpatrick was likewise a lonely fourth after breaking out of the pack early on his Cycle Shack of Lubbock/Enduro Engineering/Moose KTM 250 XC.

Chris Bach, once again, topped the A division and claimed fifth overall on his Spastic Designs KX450F, edging YZ250-mounted Adam Bonneur by a few seconds at the finish, though on adjusted time (each line starts one minute apart) he had a minute and four seconds in hand.

Husaberg's Nick Fahringer fought back from crashes and brake issues to earn seventh overall followed by Jeff Melik on his YZ450F, Justin Williamson aboard his Gas Gas EC250 and Husaberg FE450 racer Dylan Debel.

denill

4th August 2009, 13:06

And here's what Whibs had to say:

Race: OMA Round 6, Millville MN
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450F
Result: 1st

Round 6 of the OMA series was staged at the Spring Creek National MX track at Millville Minnesota.
The fantastic venue made a change from the usual "field in the middle of nowhere" setting. With the moto track prepped and a typically tough OMA track laid through the surrounding woods the stage was set for a great race.
Local National MX rider Alex Martin made an appearance and Enduro front runner Cole Kirkpatrick both would add some speed and depth to the pro class.

With the wave of the green flag the race was on. I shot to another great start and lead the way around the mx track before we shot through a hole in the fence and wove our way into the hills. Alex was hot on my heels after we exited the track and continued to stay close through the woods. As we came back to the mx track and through scoring I was expecting a battle to hold the lead but I managed to hold him at bay. My teammate Scotty Watkins was running in third not to far back and was ready to pounce on any mistake. As the time wore on the racing became more intense and the pace increased. Alex took his turn leading after making a pass stick on the mx track and was riding great. I regained the lead after working our way past a lapped rider blocking one of the tougher hill climbs.

I ran into some problems after the fuel stop when I clipped a stump and tore the end off my rear brake lever. The remaining stub was near impossible to use and the resulting pace allowed Alex to erase the buffer I had begun to create. Diving into the pits my mechanic Scotty was able to bend the stub out giving my boot something to work with and I was back in the race. I caught Alex quickly after we left the mx track and could see his pace had slowed a little.

I was still struggling with the rear brake as my foot would slip off on all the rough braking bumps causing some hairy moments and a leg that was beginning to fatigue from the effort. I took the lead with a couple of laps to go and began to extend my lead to the finish. Crossing the line with nearly a two minute buffer. Alex held onto second and Scotty Watkins brought home his KX 250f in third.

1st: Paul Whibley (JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki)
2nd: Alex Martin (Honda)
3rd: Scott Watkins (JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki)

Thanks to my following sponsors:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Shoei, Smith, Sidi, Pirelli, RG3 Suspension, Moto SR, Ohlins, CTi, Leo Vince, Pro Moto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki Chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Rekluse, CV4, Enduro Engineering, Renthal, Motion Pro, Works Connection

scott411

4th August 2009, 15:49

that would have been a wicked track, the mx track there is set ina huge valley surronded by trees, would have been cool,

denill

11th August 2009, 07:16

Race: CRA 4 Hour
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Bike: Kawasaki KX 450f
Result: 1st

On an off weekend I competed in a CRA 4 hour race at the LL Raceway in PA. Most riders raced as part of a team but I saw the event as a chance to get in an extra hour training on the bike so I rode it iron man.

I got a good start and led the way around the first lap. Overnight rain had watered what would have been a dusty course to perfection although it was a little slick in some spots. It was also pretty hot. Temperatures in the 90s(35c) with high humidity. The air seemed thick in the trees like it was something you could grasp. Lucky my Smith goggles have got plenty of anti fog coating and worked great in the tough conditions.

After a lap Katherine gave me a pit board saying a lap time was 13 minutes. I was in for a long day and a lot of laps. Katherine kept the motivation coming with times and distances to people to lap in front, giving me something to chase and focus on.
At the first fuel stop Katherine handed me the IMS dump can and the tank was replenished. The short lap made it seem like I had been out there for hours, on the flip side I knew the track inside out.

Another hour and a half up and in for some more gas. I had a good lead so there wasn't too much of a rush so I grabbed a bite of a sandwich and made some fine tuning adjustments on my Ohlins shock to better cope with the demands of the track.

I took the win after 4 hour racing. I almost got dizzy after going around so many times but it was a good days training.

Thanks to my sponsors;
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Shoei, Smith, Sidi, CTi, Pirelli, RG3, Moto SR, Ohlins USA, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, No Toil, WER, BRP, Motion Pro, Works Connection, Rekluse, CV4