Whibley Marches On In America

Whibley Marches On In America

by Andy McGechan | www.BikesportNZ.com
July 26, 2012

New Zealand’s Paul Whibley is edging closer towards a record fifth consecutive title win in the high-profile Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) series in the United States.

The Yamaha ace from Pahiatua won round six of this season’s championship in Millville, Minnesota at the weekend, further stretching his lead at the top of the points standings and ensuring he is well on course to keep the crown he has held every year since he first won it in 2008.

Whibley (Yamaha YZ450F) has been unbeaten thus far in the OMA series this year and it seems almost inevitable that he makes it five title wins in a row.

“With first pick on the start line, I took a spot in the middle, while (chief rival) Russell Bobbitt took his usual spot just inside me,” said Whibley.

“When the green flag waved, both Russell and I shot off the line side by side. He had the inside running to turn one while I tried to hold it on around the outside. Russell maintained his position and led us around through the whoop section of the motocross track and out through the new section along beside the creek.

“We had a good pace and began to edge clear of Nick Fahringer and Shane Klemik who were running third and fourth. I continued to look for a way around Russell and an opportunity presented itself when Bobbitt bobbled going down a rocky single track hill and went off into the weeds. I took the lead and tried to make a break for it.

“Russell recovered quickly and hounded me for a couple of laps. I continued to keep the heat on and began to open a gap. At first it was four seconds, then nine and, after the gas stop, it had grown to over 30 seconds.”

Whibley continued to stretch his lead and was soon out of sight of the chasing bunch.

“The track was getting choppy and the dry conditions had a few powder berms forming in the woods. The twisting and turning layout of the woods added to the physical nature of this race and after two hours and 34 minutes in the saddle, I crossed the line to take the round six win.

“I had stretched the lead out to about two minutes, with Russell Bobbitt maintaining his second place spot and Nick Fahringer holding down third.”

The next round of the series is set for Medora, Indiana, on August 5.

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

ENDS

© Scoop Media