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Race Report: GNCC Round 12, St Clairsville, Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ 450
Result: 1st
Launching off the line, the YZ drove me around turn one nabbing another hole shot. Cory Buttrick pushed past and took the lead as we dove into the woods. I was happy to have someone lead the way early on as there were a few mud holes that I didn't want to be first through.
Mid way through lap one I got around Cory on one of the big hill climbs and retook the lead. I set a comfortable pace and opened up a small lead.
As I completed lap one Katherine gave me a pit board saying I had about 10 second lead over the rest of the pack.
Glenn Kearney moved up to second and began closing in on me. I picked up the pace but soon my teammate Charlie Mullins was back there as well putting on the pressure.
Near the end of lap 3, I came in for fuel and Glenn and Charlie flew by opting to go one more lap before gassing. Leaving the pits in third I closed in on Charlie only to go down jumping one of the mudholes and lose sight of him.
I picked myself up and pushed hard soon regaining sight of Charlie and pulling up on his rear wheel. A mistake came when he was trying to get around a lapped rider opening the door just enough for me to barge through.
I took off after Glenn who had created a small lead. By the time we came back around to the pits I had Glenn within sight and when he stopped for gas I retook the lead. The pace increased and with four laps to go it was still anyones race.
Glenn pushed hard and was right on my rear wheel going into the last lap. Somehow over the last lap I managed to open up a small buffer, taking my first GNCC win of the season.
Feels pretty good to finally get back on the podium and notch up a win. Got to thank all the friends and fans who have stuck by me this year and continuously offered support and encouragement through the challenging times.
Big congrats to Josh Strang on claiming the series championship. His third place was enough for him to wrap up the title with a round to spare.
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Glenn Kearney
3rd: Josh Strang
Kenda Tires: Front, Triple. Rear, Triple
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
