Race Report: Energy Honda XC Series, Round 2
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha/Sargent MC
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st
About 12 years ago I raced over the same hills as the latest Energy Honda XC round. Back then, it was a National Enduro round that brought us into the back country behind Urenui.
Off the start I got a good jump and battled with Adrian Smith and Rennie Johnson in the first
few turns before I settled into the lead position. The track was extremely slick in places with
the hard papa offering next to no bite, but the fresh Kenda tires I had on seemed to find what
little grip there was and I began to open up a lead. A couple of missed turns resulted in brief
moments of being lost, and further down the track stopping to open a closed gate put a dent
into my lead but I kept the heat on and was able to maintain my spot at the front.
The first 32 km lap took about 45 minutes with the slick conditions really slowing things down
but I was able to build about a 30 second buffer. On the second lap, the track had cut up a lotand some of the steep hill climbs had some big ruts. One bog at the top of one of these hills was also giving some riders fits, it also claimed Adrian on the second lap, getting buried up to the seat and taking several guys to get it out. I continued out front, stretching my lead lap after lap as I got used to racing some fast farmland again. I also could remember some of the tracks from the Enduro years earlier.
By the time 3 hours was up I had snuck through for an extra lap and comfortably taken the win.
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Rennie Johnson
3rd: Robert Newton
Race Report: Bush Riders XC Series, Round 2
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha/Sargent MC
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st
After heading home from Saturdays Energy Honda XC, we ventured out to Round 2 of the Bush Riders XC Series on Sunday.
Light rain was falling as we arrived at the track but that quickly disappeared leaving Pahiatua's pesky gail force wind to bring back memories of last year's event.
A shotgun blast signalled the start, Adrian Smith and myself battled again for the hole shot
honours with a similar result to yesterday's start. I took command at the front and tried to
break away from the NZ Yamaha rider. I pushed hard and had a couple of moments when the gusty wind grabbed me on some of the exposed ridges. A couple of sections of pines as well as some creek crossings provided a welcome change from the open farmland. Also several swamps kept riders on their toes too but with plenty of room to find fresh lines, there were never any bottle necks.
Adrian kept the pressure on and had his YZ 250f singing but I was able to edge away and create a comfortable buffer.
The race was scheduled to go 2 hours and just before the flag came out I was able to head out for an extra lap. Adrian still held second but missed the cut off so I was the only one to head out for a fifth lap.
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Adrian Smith
3rd: Hugh Lintott
Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith,
G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders
MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ,
Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro
Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace,
Tire Balls, bikesportnz.com. Sprectro, JT, DID, Vesrah
The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by:
FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt
EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne GYTR
IMS Leatt Brace Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse
Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Cycra Twin Air
Wiseco ZipTy Racing AllBalls Racing Pro Taper
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