Race Report: GNCC Rnd 7, Millfield Ohio
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 4th

The uphill start straight and heavy soil after some rain couldn’t stop the YZ from snagging the holeshot. I led the way into the woods and through the altered loop.

Most of what I walked from the day before had been removed. The track was really slick and it was easy to see why some hill sections had to be cut out. I led about half the lap until I missed an inside line and Rory Mead snuck by up the inside on his 300 2 stroke. I returned the favour when Rory missed a similar line and I was back into the lead.

The lead fell into Kailub Russells hands not long before we came out onto the MX track to complete the loop. Thad Duvall and Charlie Mullins dropped me back further the next lap and I was soon into a battle with Josh Strang. The racing was close and the slick nature of the track meant mistakes were easy to make. I soon closed up on the leaders again and ended up back in the lead
around the midway point of the race.

After the gas stop the race to the checkers was between the top five. Late in the race Kailub and Charlie opened a small gap. Thad dropped well back after a crash and some bike problems I think. I held third going into the last lap with Josh right behind me. I had to stop for gas and Josh took full advantage, moving into third. I kept the heat on but couldn’t find a spot to make anything happen.

A little gutted to end up in fourth after being in contention for a podium finish all race. But Josh, Charlie and Kailub all rode really well and deserved to be up on the box.

1st: Kailub Russell
2nd: Charlie Mullins
3rd: Josh Strang