Pahiatua’s Paul Whibley took his Yamaha YZ450F to snatch another win in the United States at the weekend, this time enjoying victory at round seven of the Mid-East Hare-scramble Championships at Jonesville, South Carolina.

The 35-year-old former Manawatu forestry worker, affectionately dubbed “The Axeman” on the motorcycling scene, has crafted a successful career racing on the east coast of the US over the past decade, the highlights being his championship-winning runs in the Grand National Cross-country Championships in 2008 and 2012.

And part of the reason why the BikesportNZ.com-supported rider is still regarded as one of the leading contenders in any cross-country motorcycle race is that he keeps himself sharp by being extremely active between rounds of the GNCC competition, the Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) and Mid-East Hare-scramble series being just two examples of lesser events that he also regularly tackles.

“Conditions were pretty dry, but the Pea Ridge track at Jonesville is always a fun one,” said Whibley.

“A large turnout of riders had the start line packed waiting for the flag to fly. I grabbed the holeshot and made the most of some clear air before we got back around into traffic early on the second lap.

“I knew I wasn’t far behind the last row as I came around on lap one as the track was still getting changed to direct us into the scoring chicane.

“And quickly I caught the first dust cloud being kicked up by a gaggle of riders. Passing was tough with a lot of these riders not aware the leaders had already come around to lap them.

“It also makes it tough to get through when the riders are in groups of five or more as they are all over the place trying to pass each other. I collided with one guy and went down after the first creek jump at the muddy crossing when he didn’t realise we were coming through. Once a few laps had been completed and the traffic spread out, passing improved a little but there were still a lot of riders on the track.

“The big creek jump drew a good crowd of spectators and as the up-ramp wore down the landing got harsh, creating a few puckering moments I’m sure.

“After two hours, I got the flag and the win. It was a tough day with so many riders on a short track. A longer loop really needs to be used when entry numbers get so high so everyone can enjoy their ride.”

Whibley’s attention now turns back to the GNCC series, with the next round set for Ohio this coming weekend.

His campaign there is at the halfway stage with seven of 13 rounds of the GNCC now complete, and he is currently running fifth overall.

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.

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

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