Race Report: Woodville MX River Race
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: AmPro Yamaha/Sargent MC
Bike: Yamaha YZ450 F
Result: 3rd

Tackling the annual River Race at the Woodville MX cannot be taken lightly. It is tough on bikes
and the effects on performance can be difficult to predict and test for.
With the revolutionary YZ 450 drawing air from up front so a different approach to keeping the
air filter dry and the bike running is required.
I had done some testing leading up to the event and the changes and preventative measures I
had taken seemed to be working with the bike running strong.
The shotgun blast signalled the start with a five metre run to the bikes. I was away quickly
taking the hole shot and leading the way around the track and into the river. Plunging in and
forging upstream against the strong current. The first couple of crossings were fairly deep and
the bike got a lung full of water. It spluttered its way upstream and climbed out of the final
stretch of water. The brief section of dirt gave the bike time to clear a little but diving back in
on the second lap resulted in some more gurgling. On the second to last lap the bike came to a
stop, handing the lead over to Chris Power. After several kicks the bike restarted but the win
was gone.
The second race went a little better, I again hole shot and with some fine tuning between
motos the YZf was lapping up the water. I led most of the race but another lung full let Chris
Power past on the last lap. I was able to take that position back and complete the last run up
the river to take the win.
The result from the first race dropped me to third overall for the event.

1st: Chris Power
2nd: Ben Exeter
3rd: Paul Whibley

Thanks to Andrew Lewis for the pic.

  

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