Race Report: GNCC final, Loretta Lynn’s, TN

Rider: Paul Whibley

Team: AmPro Yamaha

Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F

We did it!!! It has been a tough season with many great races and it came down to the last round. We came into the final event trailing Kailub Russell by one point after leading the whole season. I knew the last one was going to be a big day. The Loretta Lyn’s track has been good to me in the past winning there last year but it has not been one of my favourites with its hard base and rocky soil. This year the trail was dry but an effort had been made to utilize some fresh woods.

The race start went to plan taking the hole shot for the 12^th time this year, Snowshoe doesn’t have one.  Something to be stoked with right there, taking every start in the GNCC season. I led the way and was riding a little tight but knew I was where I needed to be. I loosened up and settled in for a battle. I expected Kailub to soon put the heat on and make a run for the front. I was getting pit boards over the first few laps and my lead was slowly growing and the gap to Kailub was out to about 30 seconds. A conservative pit strategy had us fuelling twice. On the first stop Japanese rider Takashi Koikeda who was riding great and on a one stop pit strategy took the lead briefly while I was taking on gas. I soon retook the lead and continued to set the pace up front. Jordan Ashburn was also having a strong race and was swapping positions with Takashi for most of the race.

The second pit stop went smoothly and I had enough of a lead to come in and out without losing a spot. I kept the heat on and stretched the lead to 2 minutes by the end to take the Championship. Big thanks to the AmPro Yamaha team, Randy, Ryan, Gary, Donnie, Bonez. All the great sponsors and supporters, we could not have done it without their generous help.

Thanks to all the fans and family for the cheering and support. Finally a Huge Thank you to Katherine, without her this would not have all been possible.

1^st: Paul Whibley

2^nd: Kailub Russell

3^rd: Jordan Ashburn