Whibs' 2011 Campaign

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[NordieBoy]

Ouch! Good stuff.

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[NordieBoy]

6th with those issues?

Take it and run!

[denill]

6th with those issues?

Take it and run!

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

[raglanash]

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

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Katoomer]

Close race
Rory scored more points too.
XC1 Results:

1. Paul Whibley (Yam)

2. Kailub Russell (KTM)

3. Josh Strang (Suz)

4. Charlie Mullins (KTM)

5. Cory Buttrick (KTM)

6. Thad DuVall (Yam)

7. Nate Kanney (KTM)

8. Rory Mead (Hon)

9. Russell Bobbitt (KTM)

10. Nick Fahringer (Hsb)

XC1 Standings:

1. Josh Strang (174/2 wins)

2. Charlie Mullins (160/2 wins)

3. Paul Whibley (149/3 wins)

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

[Shorty_925]

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

http://www.youtube.com/user/digioffr.../0/oclif8Vsz0M

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[GPS MAN]

Good ride and Good finish!!

[Katoomer]

GNCC back after the summer break.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

XC1 Results:

1. Charlie Mullins (KTM)

2. Kailub Russell (KTM)

3. Paul Whibley (Yam)

4. Nate Kanney (KTM)

5. Chris Bach (Beta)

6. Jimmy Jarrett (Hon)

7. Jedidiah Haines (Kaw)

8. Rory Mead (Hon)

9. Mike Lafferty (Hsb)

10. Kenny Gilbert (KTM)



XC1 Standings:

1. Charlie Mullins (190/3 wins)

2. Josh Strang (182/2 wins)

3. Paul Whibley (170/3 wins)

4. Kailub Russell (134)

5. Nate Kanney (129)

6. Cory Buttrick (110)

7. Chris Bach (96)

8. Mike Lafferty (76)

9. Jimmy Jarrett (75)

10. Kenny Gilbert (66)

[denill]

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

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

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

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

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


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