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Race Report: Round 12 GNCC, Powerline Park St. Clairesville
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: Moose, Parts Unlimited, Honda
Bike: Honda CRF 450X
The dust could be seen driving into the track from the morning race. Clouds of it hung over the woods and fields, leaving no doubts about this race.
A good start was going to be critical in the event and I pulled off another top one.
I lined up out wide and swept round the outside of turn one in about 5th, but on the second turn I got hit from behind and pushed out letting everyone go by me on the inside.
The dust was unbelievable, on about the forth corner we were at a stand still. I could see a helmet in front but that was it. I ended up going off the track without realising.
Once out of the dust cloud I could see where the track went and was able to rejoin the race. In the woods some sections had two or three foot deep powder lying on the ground.
I spent most of the first half of the race chasing Robbie Jenks dust, in 10th, unable to see a way past or even see him really. After the fuel stop I managed to get past Robbie and also Garret Edminston. The dust was so thick many of the two strokes began to blubber and some had to stop to change filters.
I got past Jesse Robinson and Josh Strang, later in the race to finish in 5th place.
I was happy to finish as many guys had bike problems in the blinding dust. I found the race more mentally taxing than physically draining due to all the straining to see. It was the most dusty race I have ever ridden.
