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Race Report: GNCC Round 10, Unadilla NY
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ 450
Result: 10th
Tough day at the office pretty much sums up my race at the first GNCC back after the break.
I got a good jump of the line but got squeezed in turn one and pushed into the post on the inside of the corner, damaging the shroud and folding my thumb back.
I put the pain aside and set my mind to making some passes. I was making a move on teammate Barry Hawk when I hit an unseen kicker and hit the deck before I even new what was going on. Back up quickly and back on the bike while with a few other body parts feeling it now.
I kept pushing and reminded myself that its still early in the race and I've won races before from worse situations.
I soon realized I had some more problems with the clutch adjuster not working now. Possibly the crash had bent the hand guard back against the clutch perch and caused the problem. As I passed Katherine further down the track I signaled I had a problem and would need some adjustment.
I continued to push and a lap later was back behind Hawk, making a pass on him and pulling in behind Buttrick. I passed through the pits and saw they were ready to work on the bike. I wanted to make it to the fuel stop and fix it then so continued on one more lap.
A lap later I was into the pits for gas after passing Lafferty and Buttrick. I got gas but no one was ready to fix the issue with the clutch.
Frustrated I went back out with the situation unresolved. It was becoming more difficult to race, with the clutch gaining too much free play and being unable to use it resulting in several near misses. I saw Katherine later in the lap and stopped and told her to make sure next time I gas they need to have the tools ready to fix the problem.
The pain in my thumb began to take over and I realized my ribs were pretty sore from the crash as well, taking full breaths was tough.
I was into the pits again for the second fuel stop and finally something was done to fix the clutch problem. I could ride properly again, but I was a fair way back and it was too late in the race to do anything. I finished the race very disappointed.
Big congrats to Jimmy Jarrett for taking the win. Its been long time and after the tough season that Jimmy has endured this year, the win was just rewards for his perseverance.
1st: Jimmy Jarrett 2nd: Nate Kanney 3rd: Chris Bach
Kenda Tires: Front, Triple. Rear, Washougal
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
