It was another race and another win for Kiwi Paul Whibley in the United States at the weekend.

The man from Pahiatua contested round seven of the Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) series at a new venue just south of St. Louis, Missouri.

With no significant rain in the lead-up to the race, the conditions were dry and dusty and, for the sake of visibility, it was important for Whibley to get away quickly at the start.

He did just that and notched up his seventh straight win in the 10-round series.

Unbeaten thus far in the series, Whibley now enjoys a massive 69-point gap over his nearest challenger, Kawasaki team-mate Scott Watkins.

“Getting a good start would be important for this race and my Kawasaki delivered the goods again, driving me around turn one in first position taking the holeshot bonus,” said Whibley.

“Making the most of the dusty conditions I quickly opened up a lead on lap one.

“I was thankful for the protection of my Works Connection bash plate and case guards as there were plenty of jagged rocks on some sections of the track.

“I settled into a comfortable pace controlling the race out front.  A constant stream of lapped traffic made it difficult to get into a good rhythm.

“Just before the fuel stop my team-mate Scott Watkins caught up and the race was on.  I came in for gas and Scott went one more lap and doing so took the lead and ran with it.  With some one to chase and renewed motivation to recapture the lead I increased my pace catching Scott mid lap.

“I made my move on one of the faster fire roads slotting back into the lead. With Scott stopping for gas at the end of that lap I quickly opened my buffer over second place, maintaining that lead right through to the chequered flag.”

RESULTS:

1st – Paul Whibley (Kawasaki);

2nd – Scott Watkins (Kawasaki);

3rd – Jake Fiddler (Kawasaki);

4th – Chris Bach (Kawasaki);

5th – Nick Fahringer (Yamaha).

Points standings after seven of 10 rounds in the OMA series:

1. Paul Whibley (Kawasaki) 210 (maximum);

2. Scott Watkins (Kawasaki) 141;

3. Jimmy Jarrett (Kawasaki) 113;

4. Adam Bonneur (Yamaha) 108;

5. Nick Fahringer (Husaberg) 100;

6. Jeff Melik (Yamaha) 91;

7. Shane Klimek (Yamaha) 75;

8. Justin Williamson (Gas Gas) 70;

9. Jason Thomas (Yamaha) 45;

10. Dustin Gibson (Kawasaki) 44.

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