Whibb's GNCC series starts today,

**scott411** · 4th March 2009, 08:34

live results

http://gncclive.tracksideonlineresults.com/

Looks like a 4th place finish,

**takitimu** · 4th March 2009, 09:42

Originally Posted by scott411

live results

http://gncclive.tracksideonlineresults.com/

Looks like a 4th place finish,

2nd I think, 4 seconds behind Mullins & one more lap to run, it'll be close.

Whoops 4 seconds slower than Mullin's penultimate lap, 1 minute back.

**takitimu** · 4th March 2009, 12:34

No more updates so looks like

Mullins/Whibley/Kanney

A damn good efffort from Whib's, looks like he gave Mullins a decent headstart off the line & never got within striking distance.

I reckon the best news is that it was a pretty comfortable 2nd, so my read is he's on track for a big season.

**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

And Cycle News' Take:

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

**denill** · 5th March 2009, 07:38

Just thinking

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

Originally Posted by denill

Just thinking

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

Originally Posted by Katoomer

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...s.asp?c=65&s=5

**Katoomer** · 9th March 2009, 11:35

Originally Posted by denill

Hey guys. What am I missing here?

How come Mullins leads by 5 points???

http://www.racer-results.net/results...s.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