He has just finished No.1 in the United States and now Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley wants to return to New Zealand and put something back into the grass roots at home.

Whibley will organise a race in the Manawatu that may, hopefully, inspire and perhaps propel other Kiwis on to international stardom.

The 34-year-old former Manawatu forestry worker, affectionately dubbed “The Axeman” on the international motorcycling scene, will return to New Zealand with both the American Off-road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) and Grand National Cross-country (GNCC) trophies in his luggage and a few bright ideas in his head.

He and his wife purchased the Taikorea Off-road Motorcycle Park, just outside Palmerston North, last year and, with support from Yamaha New Zealand, will now stage a series of cross-country races on the sand-based circuit on December 23.

The Yamaha Taikorea 500 will feature four separate races, of varying duration, and offer $500 in combined prizemoney.

“I have planned this event to be a fun and exciting days racing. It will have a four-race format, a little different to anything else that’s been done before in New Zealand,” said Whibley.

“The shorter race duration will cater for all skill levels but will still challenge the professional riders. It will also provide an opportunity for plenty of ‘bench racing’ (story-telling) between races.

“The prize money system is designed to spread the wealth around a little, with a bonus if one rider can dominate the day. This will hopefully provide some intense racing right to the final flag.”

The Yamaha Taikorea 500 will comprise two one-hour cross-country races on the ‘long track’, with a $100 prize to the winner of each race.

There will also be two 10-minute cross-country super finals on the ‘short track’, again offering $100 to the winner each time.

A $100 will be paid to any rider who wins all four races.

There will be qualification races for the super finals if needed and he said there will be a ‘fun class’ for those not wanting to race super finals or for the prize money. Riders may enter on the day.

Contestants won’t have to worry about facing off against the land-owner and current United States champion – Whibley said he would not enter the race himself.

“I won’t be racing it. I will be running the show, so I have no time to race on the day. I would love to, as it would be fun, but I’m really just trying to build something for the future and to give something back to the sport and riders.”

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