WHIBLEY EXTENDS OMA SERIES LEAD

Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley has now made it three wins from three starts in the OMA series in the United States.

The 35-year-old former Manawatu forestry worker, affectionately dubbed “The Axeman” on the motorcycling scene, comfortably won round three of the 2014 Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) series in Newark, Missouri, at the weekend, putting him well on target to win the American title that he has impressively claimed several times in recent years.

The Yamaha ace simply ran away with the OMA title in 2012, making it five OMA title wins in consecutive years, although he missed out on making it six in a row because of injuries last season.

Now, it seems, the Kiwi ace is truly back on track.

“It was a strong pro class line-up, with plenty of talent turning up for the race (at Newark),” said Whibley.

“At the wave of the chequered flag, I had a comfortable lead but I had to work for it. After the gas stop I was able to really put my head down and open up a lead.

“In the early laps I had made a bit of a meal out of it. I went down twice on the opening lap, after hitting hidden logs in the leaves and undergrowth. After each crash I was able to climb my way back to the front.

“The day started out strong, with me taking the holeshot award and leading the race into the woods. Soil was again in prime condition for this event with a single track loamy trail weaving through the woods.”

American Grand National Cross-country Championship No.3 Chris Bach finished runner-up, with former GNCC XC2 champion Jason Thomas taking the third step on the podium.

Thomas is second to Whibley in the series standings.

“Nick Fahringer is the current National Enduro points leader and he took home fourth in Missouri. Also four-time former OMA Champion Jimmy Jarrett was back in action and running up front for a few laps at the start of the race.

“Jimmy and I battled together for years in this series and we reminisced after the race that it was just like the good old days.”

Whibley is supported by Yamaha Motor New Zealand, AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, MSR G2, Asterisk, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC, Spectro, Acerbis, DID, JT sprockets, Leatt, Kenda, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Bikesportnz.com, Unibiker and Tire balls.

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