Whibley Pockets Another Big Win

Whibley Pockets Another Big Win

by Andy McGechan | www.BikesportNZ.com
August 7, 2012

New Zealand’s Paul Whibley is proving himself unstoppable in the high-profile Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) series in the United States this season.

The Yamaha ace from Pahiatua is edging closer towards a record fifth consecutive title win in the series after winning the latest event, round seven of 10, at Medora in Indiana.

Whibley’s victory at the weekend was his seventh consecutive round win this season, ensuring he is well on course to keep the crown he has held every year since he first won it in 2008.

“Again the battle for the holeshot was between myself and Russell Bobbitt,” said Whibley.

“He squeezed me out going into turn one, so I tried to go around the outside in turn two but he heard the Yamaha YZ450F coming and covered the line.

“Nick Fahringer spotted the opening and snuck up the inside of me. I had to back off to save my goggles from getting soaked as we crossed a little creek before heading up a big powdery hill and into the woods.

“I was hard on Nick’s heels, wanting to make a move as soon as possible to try preventing Russell from getting out of sight. A couple miles in, Nick spun sideways on some roots as we exited another creek crossing and shot off into the weeds. I snuck past and set off after the fast-disappearing KTM.

“Entering the super tight section, I couldn’t see Russell and knew his enduro experience would pay off in the first-gear slalom through the trees.

“Closing out the seven-mile loop, I could see him at the end of some faster straights and as we worked our way through the grass track that led to scoring I was able to close up onto his rear wheel.

“It took me a full lap to find a way around and in the grass track just before scoring I made my move, around the outside on a sweeping turn. Russell fought back by applying all the pressure onto me.

“I was feeling a little looser and began to flow better through the tight section that Russell earlier held an advantage in. I slowly opened up a lead, and by the fuel stop had a slim margin of six seconds. A quick splash in the tank and I was sent back to battle. Like the last round I was able to pull away in the second half and cement my place out front.”

Whibley took the win easily from Bobbitt, Fahringer and his Yamaha team-mate Jordan Ashburn.

The next round of the series is set for August 19.

Whibley is supported by Monster Energy, Sargent Yamaha in Masterton, MotoSR suspension, BikesportNZ.com, Graphic MX Creation and Yamaha New Zealand.

ENDS

© Scoop Media