    |
 |
|
|
|
Kiwi International Enduro ace Paul Whibley conquered not only the Northland terrain but also his foes when he won round two of the 2006 Suzuki New Zealand National Enduro Championship.
Round one for Whibley was plagued with punctures so round two held at Tutamoe about an hour north of Dargaville on 4 February was a chance for Whibley to cement that he is one of the fastest off road racers in the country after a good showing at Woodville the week prior.
Pre walking the tests saw Whibley almost take a clean sweep of the four terrain tests but Suzuki’s Kevin Archer managed to take away this honour by winning test two by one second. “The second test was more technical than the first, it had some bumps and slippery bits to make it a race, while the first was fast but didn’t really have anywhere to make up time” said Whibley.
Archer, relishing the farm based track, made up the third spot behind Birch and Whibley in the Expert 250 to open class.
Jason Davis, after switching to Expert last season, upset the Expert 0-200cc two-stoke class by beating Dhugal McLaren and Kiwi Rider’s Dene Humphrey.
Davis commented that, “It was a bit of a horsepower track,” when asked about beating Humphrey. Davis rides a 200cc to Humphrey’s 125cc.
Karl Power, while in the outright standings tied with Archer, led the Expert 300 – open four-stroke pack home. Former class champion Cam Smith held second ahead of another Power, Chris.
While in the Expert 0-300cc four stroke class Mitchell Neild pushed his Husky to the top spot ahead of Kelly Patterson. Patterson was just one of the South Islanders who made the massive trip north. Third went to Mark Fleming.
Mark Fuller returned from injury in supreme style to capture the Expert 35+ Veteran class ahead of rivals Terry Cameron and Phil Skinner. Fuller suffered a scaphoid injury last month.
The event managed to attract 125 riders which while down on the opening round in Tokoroa was still a good turnout for the far north venue.
Round three is 25 February at Waimiha about half an hour from either Taumaranui or Te Kuiti.
