Kiwi cross-country specialist Paul Whibley is not one to waste time.

So, with a weekend off from the Grand National Cross-country (GNCC) and Off-road Motorcycles and ATV (OMA) competition, the Kawasaki ace decided to tackle an American Woods Racing Championships Series (AWRCS) event near Pittsburg at the weekend.

He led from start to finish, winning comfortably ahead of Yamaha riders Chad Tallman and Michael McGinnis, with series No.1 Brett Zofchak (Kawasaki) coming home fourth overall.

“From the start I grabbed the holeshot and the early lead,” said the man from Pahiatua.

“Heading out through a fast grass track section and heading towards the woods.  We entered the woods and onto some fresh trail.  I found it a little hard to lead the way through the virgin trail following the black and white arrows as they just didn’t stand out the same as the coloured ones.

“Once back onto some of the used trails I was able to begin to pull a lead.

“On the second lap with a few bikes over the trail it was more marked out and easier to follow.  The track was pretty rocky and there were lots of roots in places and was good practice for the upcoming GNCC at Snow Shoe.

“There was also some bog holes to keep the riders on their toes.

“Into the pits after the third lap for a splash of gas and some fresh Smith goggles.  Thanks to Katherine and JT, I was out onto the track in record time.

“Out on the track there was a creek jump. It turned into a bog jump as the quads from the morning race had it fairly torn up.  There was a good bunch of spectators there cheering the racers on as we made the leap or plunged through the mud.

“A couple more laps and the two hours was up.  It was a good event and the best practice for upcoming GNCCs and OMAs.”

Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com