TOUGH AS NAILS | Bikesportnz

Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley is on track to defend his Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) crown in the United States.

The Yamaha ace simply ran away with the OMA title last year, making it five OMA wins in consecutive years, and while this year’s title defence has been fraught with problems – not least of all his recent hand injury – the tough-as-nails Kiwi hero continues to race among the leaders.

He finished a strong runner-up at round three of the OMA competition in Indiana at the weekend, keeping himself of track for the 2013 title.

The weekend’s racing saw a return to a venue the series had used a few years ago near Bedford, in Indiana. The pits and grass track section were saturated but the course itself was near perfect.

“I grabbed a good start and just edged out Nick Fahringer for the holeshot honours,” said Whibley (Yamaha YZ450F).

“Leading the way into the woods we were sent up a pretty challenging hill. It was not un-climbable, but at the top was a rock that was super slick. If you lost any momentum lower on the hill, there was no gaining it back and making it across the rock became tough.

“The rest of the loop was pretty fun with some faster sections and a lot of off-camber single track. The track was a little short though with only seven miles and lap times at around 12 minutes.

“I led the first half of the race and as I approached the fuel stop had opened a lead over everyone except Kailub Russell who was firmly latched to my rear wheel. (My wife) Katherine and Bret from Carb Sport handled the pit stop, although I lost the lead as Kailub elected to not stop that lap. I now had to regain contact with Kailub to have a shot at regaining the lead when he stopped for gas.

“Luck wasn’t on my side, as problems on the hill climb cost me some time. The lost time allowed Kailub to come in and out of the pits the next lap with a safe lead. I continued to push and tried to regain some time but another mistake on the rock on the hill cost more time on the last lap.

“I was a safe distance in front of third but was disappointed to make the two mistakes that cost me a shot at the win. A real battle was going on for the final podium spot between Jordan Ashburn and Russell Bobbitt. On one of the last corners Russell snuck up the inside of Jordan to cement his position in third.”

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

Leading results from OMA series round three in Indiana:

1. Kailub Russell

2. Paul Whibley

3. Russell Bobbitt

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