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Race Report: GNCC Rnd 7 Somerset Pennsylvania
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha WR 450
Result: 4th XC1
Rain the previous day made the Pennsylvania track technical and tough. The trail is littered with rocks and some of the rock gardens found in the woods are pretty gnarly.
I got a good jump off the line but ran a bit wide on turn one. I was with the lead bunch on the first lap, learning some lines and running a comfortable pace.
Charlie Mullins was in front of me and seemed happy to just follow the guys in front and wasn't pushing to make any passes.
On the second lap a minor spill resulted in losing sight of the lead bunch. I was getting signals that they were just in front but I couldn't seem to bridge the gap back to the leaders.
Without seeing the leaders and riding by myself a lot I wasn't able to see and learn the best lines as easy. Although I have to thank the many people out on the track pointing lines through some of the rock gardens and bog holes.
Mid race some crazy guy was standing in the middle of the track. I slowed down, not sure what he was doing, then he took a swing at me and hit me in the shoulder. Kinda caught me off guard. Talking after the race this guy had taken a shot at a lot of riders and apparently wasn't happy with the event being held there.
I ended up going back and forth with Jason Thomas late in the race, I thought I had gapped him but I fell about 3 times on the last lap and he caught right back up.
Crossing the line in forth in XC1 was still not the result that I am looking for but a finish was good in these tough conditions.
1st: Charlie Mullins
2nd: Cory Buttrick
3rd: Barry Hawk
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
