News Release
Hat-Trick of Wins For Kiwi Abroad
12 July 2008
While Paul Whibley's recent motorcycle racing successes in America may have surprised some outside observers, they come as no surprise at all to those who know him well, or to the man himself.
New Zealander Whibley has topped the podium at two consecutive rounds of the prestigious Grand National Cross-country Championships in the United States and is now second in the series standings and closing in on the leader, the legendary giant from the Isle of Man, David Knight.
But, at the most recent two rounds, in Ohio and then in Kentucky a fortnight ago, it was Suzuki star Whibley, the man they call "The Axeman", from New Zealand's central North Island, who was boss.
Whibley also took his Suzuki RM-Z450 to victory at round four of the prestigious OMA Cross-country Series in Iowa last weekend, making it three major US wins in a row for the Kiwi hero.
He led home Suzuki team-mate Jimmy Jarrett in the sloppy conditions, making it a Suzuki 1-2 in Iowa.
"I'm not surprised by my results and I don't think the wins are long overdue either because there are a lot of guys who can win. So I just need to be consistent and do the best I can every race," said the former forestry worker.
That's been the Pahiatua man's tactics all along, but now that consistency has also translated into regular visits to the podium and a couple of outright wins.
"There is still a long way to go so I am not counting any chickens yet," he said.
"It's possible for me to overtake Knight in the title chase because it's a long season and anything can happen, but I'm just looking at getting good results at each event, doing the best I can and we will see where I end up at the end of the year.
"He has respect for me and I have respect for him. I think we all respect everyone we race against. He is a legend, he has an impressive resume."
But, as Whibley has demonstrated, even legends can be beaten by a talented and determined Kiwi.
"We get along good ... Knight's mechanic, Scotty Brooker, is a friend of mine from New Zealand, a man who was my mechanic in 2004 in the World Enduro Champs, so we are all friends.
"In terms of next year, Suzuki is one of the best teams in GNCC racing, so I am getting some good support. I currently only have a one-year deal but I would like to think I am doing a good job and will continue with Suzuki next season.
"I have been away from home racing for six seasons now, so am getting used to not being close to my Kiwi supporters. But I do still miss New Zealand and all my family and friends."
Whibley returns home at the end of the season in October and will ride some selected events in New Zealand before heading back to the United States in 2009.
