WHIBLEY WINS AGAIN | Bikesportnz

The hits just keep on coming for Kiwi Yamaha ace Paul Whibley.

The Pahiatua rider is defending champion in two major series in the United States this season — the Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) series and the Grand National Cross-Country (GNCC) series.

And, although it hasn’t been an easy run for the hard-as-nails Kiwi hero, he is now showing the kind of form that could see him crowned American champion twice again before the year is out.

The former Manawatu forestry worker said riding conditions were very dry and extremely dusty for round eight of the OMA series in Bedford, Indiana, on Saturday and he knew a good start would be critical to securing a good result.

“The urgency was evident as we shot off the start line,” said Whibley (Yamaha YZ450F). “Everyone seemed to get a good jump and I thought I had control of the holeshot but Jordan Ashburn bumped me from the inside and pushed me wide allowing (main rival) Scotty Watkins by as well.

“I quickly re-passed Scotty and knew I had to get by Jordan really quick to take control. On the first hill there were three line options to climb the powder-filled slope. I took a different line than Jordan and it paid off, cresting the top in the lead and in clean air. I took full advantage and pushed hard building a lead.

“With short laps, I knew we would also quickly be into lapped riders and wanted to make the most of the clean air advantage while I had it. I had about a minute lead at the completion of the second lap.

“The lapped riders were all very good and pulled over to let us by; obviously aware of the difficulty in passing in these conditions.

“The track fell apart pretty quick. A lot of deep powder-filled ruts formed and, on many of the hills, just getting to the top was a challenge with the deep powder obscuring the numerous rocks and roots.

“After the gas stop, I was able to push my lead out to about two minutes with (Yamaha team-mate) Thad Duvall moving up to second and Jordan Ashburn making the most of his good start and coming home in third.”

Whibley’s convincing victory made it five wins in a row with two rounds to go in the 2010 edition of the OMA championship.

Leading results at round 8 of the OMA series at the weekend:

1. Paul Whibley (Yamaha)

2. Thad Duvall (Yamaha)

3. Jordan Ashburn (Kawasaki)

4. Jimmy Jarrett (Kawasaki)

5. Nick Fahringer (Husaberg)

6. Scott Watkins (Kawasaki)

7. Zach Klamfoth (Yamaha)

8. Michael Williams (Kawasaki)

9. Cooper Bailey (Kawasaki)

10. Shane Klimek (Suzuki)

Leading standings after eight rounds:

1. Whibley 204

2. Watkins 182

3. Duvall 154

4. Ashburn 141

5. Jarrett 123

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