Race Report: Sorcs XC
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 1st
Over the weekend, we headed South to race in the Southern Offroad Championship Series event near Rome in Georgia. Little rain had fallen in the area for several weeks so it was expected to be dusty. A good start was going to be key to getting a good result. Off the line the YZ delivered the hole shot although a few of the 2 strokes provided some rubbing going into the first turn. I was able to sweep through the turn and maintain the lead going into the woods. The first hill was fairly steep with a lot of loose rocks hiding in the leaves. I was fairly comfortable out front as I knew the combo of dust and the grenade like rocks would make passing very tough.
The first lap I rode at a steady pace not wanting to clip any of the unseen rocks and get ejected into the weeds. As I began the second lap and hit the hill for the second time there were still riders stuck, having not made it a mile into the race. The soil had deteriorated fast and the hill was now a powdery bombsite. I got to the top ok but the rest of the track was similar with the lapped riders kicking up plumes of dust as they explode powdery berms.
Katherine manned the IMS dumpcan as well as handing over a clean pair of Smith goggles at the pit stop. I continued to push when I could see and be patient when vision was a challenge. Seeing several riders miss turns in the haze and plough headlong into the woods was enough for me to play it smart and ride safe until the checkered flag came out.
1st: Paul Whibley
2nd: Seth Murray
3rd: Zac Brown
Paul Whibley is supported by: AmPro Yamaha, Monster Energy, Shoei, Sidi, Smith, G2, CTi, Moto SR, Vortex Ignitions, EC3D, Bush Riders MCC, Darbis, GHQ, Sargent Motorcycles, Yamaha NZ, Rosscos Start up Services, Works Connection, Pro Taper, Race Pace Services, Unabiker, Leatt Brace, Tire Balls
The AmPro Yamaha Team is supported by: FMF Kenda Yamalube Asterisk CV4 Cycle Gear E-Batt EBC Brakes Factory Connection Fastway Gaerne GYTR IMS Leatt Brace Motion Pro MSR Pro-Clean Rekluse Scott Shoei Slavens TM Designworks Cycra Twin Air Wiseco ZipTy Racing AllBalls Racing
