Team: JG Offroad, GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki
Race: OMA Round 1, Nashville TN
Rider: Paul Whibley
Bike: KX450F
Result:1st


The Kawasaki looked great in front of the GEICO rig all stickered up by Powersport graphics and sporting the number one plate. It was a little strange seeing that number one on my bike as for several years Jimmy Jarrett has owned it.
There was a strong turn out for the opening round of the OMA series. Attracting top riders from the GNCCs, National Enduros and even a rider from Finland.
Off the start my KX shot me to an easy hole shot and I led the way into the tight fresh woods. About a mile into the lap I think a vine snagged around my foot peg as we dropped down a small hill. Before I knew it I was flipped upside down and shot over the bars. I picked myself up and got the bike turned around but had lost a lot of positions. Once rolling again I picked off the riders as fast as I could, knowing Jimmy was up front and pulling away. I got into second and began to close in. My goggles had been ruined as I passed some riders while chasing Jimmy and I needed to pit at the end of lap two for a fresh pair. I was in sight of Jimmy now and a lightning fast stop, care of Katherine, Jt, and Monty allowed me to maintain that visual. Over the next couple of laps we pushed hard but the track was tight and passing was tough. Jimmy came into pit for fuel after 4 laps, I went 1 more lap before gassing. With the lead I put my head down to make some time so I could leave the pits after my stop still in the lead. I rode fast enough and came out from the pits after five laps with a 5 second lead. I continued to push and opened a small gap. But just as I was getting comfortable my chain came off in one of the rocky sections. Jimmy flew past as I was refitting the chain. In a true sportsman fashion asking if I was ok, on the way by. The race was on again!
I caught back up and began looking for a way around. Jimmy made a small mistake and stalled his bike, I retook the lead and tried to make a break although it was hard to do with all the lapped traffic.
Over the last couple of laps I opened up about a 30 second lead and took that to the chequers.
Its good to get the first win taken care of in the OMAs and the team taking a 1, 2, 4 finish. 

1st: P. Whibley
2nd: J. Jarrett
3rd: J. Tomas
4th: S. Watkins

Thanks to the following sponsors for their continued support:
GEICO, Monster Energy Kawasaki, Moose Racing, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, CTi, Pirelli, RG3 suspension, Leo Vince, ProMoto Billet/ Fastway, IMS, Vortex Ignitions, G2, PG Graphics, Silkolene, EBC Brakes, Tsubaki chains, No Toil, WER, BRP, Rekluse, Renthal, Enduro Engineering, Works Connection, Motion Pro, Moto SR

Photo courtesy of: Katherine Whibley  

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