NO REST FOR WHIBLEY | Bikesportnz

There’s no rest for the wicked, or so the saying goes, and that means Kiwi Paul Whibley must be a very wicked man indeed.

While many competitors may have been enjoying the break in the Grand National Cross Country Championships (GNCC) in the United States, Pahiatua Yamaha ace Whibley instead saw the weekend’s North Carolina Harescramble Series (NCHSA) race in Denver simple as another welcome opportunity to further hone and strengthen his off-road riding skills.

“I had been to this venue years earlier, practicing with Shane Watts, Glenn Kearney and Josh Strang, so had an idea of what to expect,” said Whibley (Yamaha YZ450F).

“I drew first pick of the gate and chose well, taking the holeshot. There had been a machine over the track that made it fairly smooth and recent rain kept the dust down.

“I opened up a gap pretty quickly which was good as we were soon into traffic. A short lap of 5.5 miles had the lap times hovering around 14 minutes.

“It was difficult for (my wife) Katherine to get split times, as it was tough to see any other part of the track from the pits. Most times I got were a lap behind so I had to be careful not to relax too much and let anyone sneak up on me.

“After the gas stop where Katherine had drafted in a bunch of help, I continued to edge away.

“Using the event as a bit of practice ahead of upcoming OMA (Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV series) and GNCC events, I decided to try out some new stuff in a race situation.

“Leatt make a drink system that is designed to route the drink hose in through the helmet to save reaching for it. I have used the Leatt drink system for years now but never in this configuration. I must say it was pretty good. I never needed to take my hands off the bars to find the hose. It could be a real advantage at the rough tracks or last lap battles when the action is too intense to grab a drink.

“By the time the chequered flag was out, I had a safe lead and some good seat time.”

Whibley now prepares himself for the next round of the GNCC series, set for Snowshow, West Virginia, on June 24.

He currently leads that championship, five points ahead of American Kailub Russell after seven rounds, with six rounds remaining.

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

LEADING RESULTS:

1. Paul Whibley

2. Robby Norwood

3. Trevor Barrett

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