Paul Whibley on the Woodville River Race

Tackling the annual River Race at the Woodville MX cannot be taken lightly. It is tough on bikes and the effects on performance can be difficult to predict and test for.

With the revolutionary YZ 450 drawing air from up front so a different approach to keeping the air filter dry and the bike running is required. I had done some testing leading up to the event and the changes and preventative measures I had taken seemed to be working with the bike running strong.

The shotgun blast signalled the start with a five metre run to the bikes. I was away quickly taking the hole shot and leading the way around the track and into the river. Plunging in and forging upstream against the strong current. The first couple of crossings were fairly deep and the bike got a lung full of water. It spluttered its way upstream and climbed out of the final stretch of water.

The brief section of dirt gave the bike time to clear a little but diving back in on the second lap resulted in some more gurgling. On the second to last lap the bike came to a stop, handing the lead over to Chris Power. After several kicks the bike restarted but the win was gone.

The second race went a little better, I again hole shot and with some fine tuning between motos the YZf was lapping up the water. I led most of the race but another lung full let Chris Power past on the last lap. I was able to take that position back and complete the last run up the river to take the win.

The result from the first race dropped me to third overall for the event.


The following images are courtesy of Dick Koers.







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, Spectro, JT DID.
 
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