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Race Report: OMA Round 9, Memphis, Mo
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ 450
Result: 1st
Round 9 of the OMA series dished out a complete contrast in conditions to the last OMA race. From blinding dust at Round 8 to deep mud this time, OMAs have it all.
A start was going to be just as important at this race for similar reasons. Vision. Its not a dust cloud but a wall of roost riders had to deal with this time.
I had been practicing starts and testing a new Vortex Ignition with good results. The green flag waved and I launched off the line and into turn one in first, only to have Shane Klemic kamikaze into turn two and take the hole shot money. I think he was already on his butt when he crossed the line and obviously in need of the cash more than me. I had bigger plans for the race and made the turn and led the way.
The track was pretty drowned from all the rain with a lot of water filling the ruts and low spots. I took my time, not wanting to make any rash decisions and drown out somewhere.
Scott Watkins was still behind me as we completed a lap but had been eating mud for 30 minutes. Since I had been leading I didn't need to stop for goggles, my Smiths were still in pristine condition.
I picked up the pace on lap two and created a lead. The Vortex Ignition also had a nice power curve that smoothed out power to find traction in the slick and slime, but also maintained that bottom boost to really dig in the deep mud.
At the completion of lap two we came into the pits for gas. Katherine, Sam and Mike had me in and out with Nascar speed.
The last two laps I rode safe and smart, maintaining my lead and staying out of trouble, taking my 6th win in a row and extending my points lead.
One round remains in this series, the legendary Moose Run.
1st: Paul Whibley 2nd: Scotty Watkins 3rd: Nick Fahringer
Kenda Tires: Front, Washougal. Rear, Millville
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 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
