Whibb's GNCC series starts today,

[raglanash]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Whibs starts on the Kawasaki - where he left on the Suzuki:

[denill]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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 nowwrong energy drink.

[takitimu]

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 nowwrong 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 ).

[Ktmboy]

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 ).

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??