Paul Whibley reports from GNCC Round 1With the long build up to this race over the off season it was good to get back into it. With the wave of the green flag the 2011 GNCC season kicked off with a roar and like last year I took the opening hole shot honours. Just before we hit the woods Mike Brown snuck past and into the lead. The track was well used and a bit dusty in the first mile. I was chasing Mike when I hit a root or something in the dust that sent me offline. I regained control just in time to avoid a head on with a tree, although my elbow and the radiator clipped it. As I sat down for the next corner my knee caught the damaged radiator and drew my Soo, I headed back to the pits where Scotty and the team fitted a new radiator. I got back out on the track but was a long way back. I was behind most Classes and had to push through thick traffic right from the start, the leaders were able to pull even further away with a clear track. I tried to put in some consistent laps and salvage some points. I knew it was a tough track and that the mortality rate would be high so was determined to at least finish in the points. As the race wore on I picked off guys one at a time and slowly moved into contention for points. By the time the race was done I had done enough to move up to 8th in XC1. A tough day at the office but we are on the board and will be moving up from here. 1st: Charlie Mullins. 2nd: Mike Brown. 3rd: Chris Bach Paul Whibley is supported in NZ by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC,Darbis, GHQ, Pirelli, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ. Rosscos Start Up Services
Here is a good video of the action from the Factory FMF/KTM Off-Road Racing Team who had a phenomenal day when the newest team member, Charlie Mullins, took home the win followed by teammate Mike Brown. You will see Whibs get the holeshot! |
attention to how extensive the damage was. I assessed how much coolant it was losing and contemplated trying to make a lap before stopping for repairs, but further investigation revealed I probably wouldn't complete a lap before the bike would suffer terminal damage.