Paul Whibley OMA Race Report

Race Report: OMA Rnd 5, Mesick, Michigan
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ 450
Result: 1st

With the go ahead to start testing and development of the YZ for racing full time in 2011 I lined up with the 450 MXer at the latest OMA.
An average start and dusty conditions gave me a big challenge to work my way back to the front. The first few miles it was so dusty, all I could do was to stay on track. When we moved into the tighter fresh tracks I was able to pick up some of the slack and latch back onto the guys in front. Picking guys off whenever the chance was presented, I worked my way forward and within 3 laps moved into the lead when I passed Thad Duvall on the side of the track. I came in for fuel at the end of the third lap and had began to build a small lead over Scotty Watkins who was now running second. The track got better as the race worn on with the sand based soil forming some nice lines through the trees. As the race continued I was also able to get a good feeling with the YZ in the trees and appreciate its balance and nimbleness in threading through the tight woods.
I continued to put in safe laps and pushed my lead out to over a minute.
The YZ performed great and passed its first test with ease. Im looking forward to getting back into the points battle for the OMA title. With 5 rounds still to go and only a handful more points to make up Im confident we can make it an exciting close to the season.

Front Tire, Kenda Southwick
Rear Tire, Kenda Millville

1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Scotty Watkins
3rd: Nick Faringer

Paul Whibley is supported by:
AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, Ohlins, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D

The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by:
FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk Cannondale CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne Boots GYTR IMS Jonny Signs Leatt Brace Matrix Racing Products Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing

JG Racing OMA Race Report

For Immediate Release

JG Off Road’s Watkins Holds on to Point Lead at Michigan OMA

Mesick, Michigan (July 11, 2010) — GEICO/JG Off Road/Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Scott Watkins took second at the DP Brakes Wolverine XC OMA in Mesick Michigan, to hold on to the series’ point lead after a hard-fought battle against Defending Champion Paul Whibley.

“Its great to see another podium finish for Scotty,” said JT Bennett, team co-manager. “His consistency throughout the year is paying off and giving him the points right now. The whole team is excited for Scotty for his battle towards the championship.”

Watkins’ day didn’t start off quite the way he wanted when his bike didn’t fire on the starting line, but he was able to make up several positions as he wound through the tight and dusty track. Watkins moved into the lead early on until AmPro Yamaha’s Thad DuVall began to pressure him for the lead. DuVall took off in front, as Watkins battled back and forth with Whibley for second place. DuVall fell out of the race, and it was down to Whibley and Watkins for first. Whibley was able to put time between himself and Watkins, and clinched the win, with Watkins in second.

“I need that extra edge to win one of these,” Watkins said. “I would really love to win the championship, but that’s still a ways off. I felt good and strong all day, and other than stalling it out a few times, I didn’t make any mistakes. I’m still in the hunt for the points’ lead.”

Jimmy’s string of bad luck continues after a cycling accident took him out of contending this round. The team wishes Jimmy a speedy recovery.
Jarrett and Watkins would like to thank team sponsors GEICO, JG Off Road, Pirelli, Silkolene, EBC, Tsubaki, Ride PG, Moose, Pro Moto Billet, CV4, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Smith G2, IMS, FMF, Sidi, Renthal and No-Toil.

Watkins would like to thank his additional sponsors Shoei, Smith Optics, G2, Enduro Engineering, BRP and Sidi Boots.

Jarrett would also like to thank individual sponsors Arai, Cytosport and OGIO.

The team travels next to Millville, MN for the Maxxis Spring Creek GB on July 31-August 1.

For more information, log on to www.jgoffroad.com.

About JG Off Road
JG Off-Road Racing is owned by JT and Gretchen Bennett. JT started out as a privateer rider, working hard to build his racing career and is a former multi-time AWRCS Champion, GNCC Amateur Class Champion and ISDE competitor. After 17 years of racing, the Bennett’s decided to start their own team as a chance to stay involved in racing and give back to the sport.  JG Off Road started in 2009 and strives to provide strong results in all aspects of racing. Bennett has built a solid partnership with GEICO Powersports to give the team a winning outlook and a hard to beat attitude.

Brown Jug

 After an unwanted hiatus from racing and riding, I picked a hell of a race to come back on.  I broke my leg trail riding Easter weekend and got a rod jammed in my leg to bolt it all back together. Even though I felt my leg was strong enough to come back, I found out quick that my lungs were not in shape for the crazy heat and dust.

Round 8 of the NCHSA series was held in Union South Carolina. With the heat index reaching 100 degrees by midday, it was a sure test of a riders conditioning in the powder like silt of the Brown Jug. Gncc Xc2 riders Jesse Robinson, Stewart Baylor and Corey MacDonald were on hand to give the series regulars a run for their money.

KTM rider Baylor went to the corner first while Robinson found himself with a midpack start. Stuart led the pack of  20 Pro Class racers, nearly 100 in the A and B classes , and a  7.5 mile cloud of brown baby powder.  At the end of the lap, Robinson closed the gap and overtook the lead. Jesse led the remaining laps on his 250xc to take the win, with Baylor and MacDonald in tow. Rounding out the top five were Trever Connel, and Brian Henson who is leading the points.

Hats off to anyone who had the guts and determination to attempt such a grueling event on such a hot and dusty day. Man, what some people go through to have a little fun! In mid-July, shouldn’t we be kicked back on the lake or somthing? whatever…