Paul Whibley's dramatic finish at St Clairsville GNCCKatherine Whibley: "He's doing okay, just pretty sore, swollen and stiff as unable to bend that thigh. Thanks to digitaloffroad.com for the video footage."  The green flag flew and the YZF fired up quickly again. I spun a little on the line and wasn’t first into the turn but dove up the inside of Charlie Mullins and crossed the hole shot line first. I ran a little deep into turn two, dropping to 3rd behind Mullins and Kailub Russell. I spent the first couple of laps chasing the two KTMs as they set a fast pace. I ended up taking a bad line around a mud hole and lost some time. I pumped up pushing too hard trying to make up the gap. I fell back into a battle with Josh Strang and Thad Duvall. Both of them moved by me during the middle of the race but after coming in for gas I began to loosen up and ride better. I worked my way forward again and going into the last lap had regained third position with Josh hot on my heels and Thad a little further back. With about 5 miles to go a couple of lapped riders crashed right in front of me blocking the track sending Josh and myself careening off the track. Thad was back far enough to avoid the chaos and inherited 3rd. I remounted just behind Josh and we both set off after Thad. Josh and I swapped positions several times over the last few miles but I was able to sneak ahead after the final mud hole when we were both momentarily stuck side by side. I reeled in Thad over the last mile and coming to the grass track section before the finish, began to work inside to outside to set up a pass. I pulled up along side him coming to the final turn but I was on the outside. Thad controlled the corner and closed the door just in time. I was already committed to my line and had nowhere else to go but slam into a tree. I hit pretty hard but got back up quickly and managed to stay in front of Josh. It would have been good to finish closer to Charlie and minimise the points he put on me in the championship chase but 4th place is not too bad. 1st: Kailub Russell 2nd: Charlie Mullins 3rd: Thad Duvall 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 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 |