Paul Whibley wins OMA opener in Alabama

Last year was the debut of this challenging tight and rocky track on the OMA circuit with this seasons edition proving just as worthy as a season opener.

The race kicked off with myself taking the holeshot and early lead. There was still a few leaves on the track and I wasn’t about to risk it all on the opening lap. Cory Macdonald in his first OMA kept me honest in the early going before Enduro Champ Russell Bobbitt and Husabergs Nick Fahringer moved into 2nd and 3rd.

Mid lap I made a mistake in a tight section and went the wrong side of a tree allowing Russell to take the lead. I slotted into second and kept the pressure on into the second lap. A leap of faith across a small muddy creek resulted in Russell going down and the lead falling back into my hands. I tried to make the most of being back up front and open a gap on the two Enduro specialists.

Ryan and Katherine had the pit boards out informing me of my progress and a smooth pit stop set me up for the last couple of laps. I was able to monitor my lead on the pit boards and maintain a stable lead going into the last lap where I was able to back it down and bring it home.

A good start to a long season. One that promises to be very exciting with tight racing and fun tracks.

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Russell Bobbitt
3rd: Nick Fahringer

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, Stuk.

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 Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Cycra Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing AllBalls Racing Pro Taper Stuk