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Race Report: GNCC Round 4 Union, South Carolina
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha WR 450
Result: 3rd
The race itself started out pretty good. I took another holeshot but like the first round Jimmy Jarret snuck past and lead the way early in the lap.
The hard pack dry conditions were making passing tough and you really had to plan a move. Some sections all you could do was fall back until the dust cleared.
I pushed hard late in the lap and made a pass stick on Jimmy for the lead. Although just before scoring I hit a rock on the track and crashed into some trees handing the lead right back.
Mid second lap I made another challenge for the lead in the only mud hole, only to hit a hidden root and stall the bike. Kicking the bike into life as I watched the lead pack of riders disappear through the woods.
I was determined to regain lost ground and slowly moved forward through the race. Passing Charlie Mullins while he was picking his bike up in the worst dust section. Catching Glen Kearney as we entered the pits and with some slick pit work by the crew, was in and out ahead of him. I pushed as hard as I could but I couldn't bridge the gap to Thad Duvall and Strang who were battling it out for the win.
Charlie and myself ended up racing together for the second half of the race. He seemed to make time on me in some sections and then I would pull away in others.
I managed to work in a little breathing room between us on the last lap, I still was looking to close down on the leaders but it wasn't happening.
It was a good day for the Am-Pro Yamaha Team with Thad taking 2nd, myself in 3rd and Charlie coming in 4th.
A podium was good but not the result I needed. I am disappointed with this result as it also doesn't reflect the effort or work that myself or the Am-Pro Yamaha team has put forth into defending this championship. I need to eliminate the little mistakes that are costing me time.
I'm now even more motivated and determined than ever to claw my way back into the title chase.
1st: Josh Strang
2nd: Thad Duvall
3rd: Paul Whibley
Paul Whibley is supported by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, Ohlins, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions.
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
