THE BREAK IS OVER | Bikesportnz

Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley has enjoyed relaxing back home in New Zealand after a hugely successful season of off-road motorcycle racing in the United States, but it was time for the Yamaha ace to get back to business at the weekend.

The 34-year-old former Manawatu forestry worker, affectionately dubbed “The Axeman” on the motorcycling scene, clinched both the Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) and Grand National Cross-country Championship (GNCC) titles in America this season, convincingly placing him among the world’s motorcycling elite.

But, while the Yamaha YZ450F rider has earned himself a rest from the rigors of racing, he was still keen to get back into the thick of racing and travelled to the Bay of Plenty to line up at the third round of four in the New Zealand GNCC series at Maddix Park, Tauranga, on Sunday.

“The trip combined some catching up with family and my dad even came along for a ride and helped out in the pits,” Whibley explained.

“I was a little rusty after a couple weeks off a bike and laid the bike down in the first turn. It was surprisingly slick and I thought I was being cautious enough but, as I chopped the throttle to start the turn, both wheels stepped out and there was no bringing them back.

“The entire pro class roosted past as I scrambled back to my feet. Remounting, the chase was on. I picked off bikes left and right, railed banks and drifted through some more slick turns. I was soon back up front, although I was not sure I was leading until I got back to the pits and Scotty Brooker from MotoSR gave me the signal.

“The track was drier than I had expected, but there were plenty of unexpected slick spots that made the heart skip a beat. The track was a lot of fun, with a lay-out that was reversed from usual and, as a few bikes stirred the soil, some ruts formed, traction improved.

“Up front it was pretty smooth sailing. As the track got rougher I felt more comfortable and my lead grew. Scotty handled the IMS fuel dump can like the good old days and I was set to tackle the final leg of the event and I took the win comfortably in the end.”

Rotorua’s Scott Birch finished runner-up with Whakatane’s Chris Mexted taking the third step on the podium.

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

Meanwhile, Oparau’s James Scott won the junior race staged earlier in the day, finishing ahead of Auckland’s Jake Wightman and Te Awamutu’s Daniel White.