Monster Energy Athlete Paul Whibley finished off the 2013 racing season with a strong performance at the final round of the GNCC series at Crawfordsville, Indiana, putting his Am Pro Yamaha on the podium for a third place finish.
The Ironman GNCC marked just the second major race for the Axe Man since returning from a sports hernia surgery three months ago.
“I’m pleased with my performance today and I think it’s safe to say that the surgery was a complete success,” said Whibley. “This is a good way to finish out the season and I can go back home now during the break and get ready for next year.”
Whibley has one more year on his contract with Am Pro Yamaha and he is looking forward to going for a second GNCC title in 2014.
“Hopefully I can find some speed over the winter,” said Whibley. “I know now I have to speed to finish on the podium, but Charlie and Kailub were just a tick faster and I want to come back strong enough to run with those guys next year.”
Whibley was second off the line behind his Yamaha teammate Jordan Ashburn at the start of the race, however, he moved around him and into the lead just before giving way to title contenders Charlie Mullins and Kailub Russell at the end of the first lap.
Once clear of Ashburn, Whibley ran solo in third until the halfway mark when Thad DuVall and Josh Strang closed in. Both Strang and DuVall eventually succumbed to problems and dropped off the pace, leaving Whibley to cost in alone in third.
“It was a bit drier than usual out for this race, and it got pretty bumpy in places, but I felt good the whole race and I was able to hold off Strang and DuVall and get on the box,” said Whibley.
Whibley and his wife Kathryn are scheduled to return to their home in New Zealand on Wednesday, where they will start preparations for next year. Since it’s summer in that part of the world, Whibs will be racing every weekend, plus he will be promoting a race of his own on November 26th.
Whibley also revealed that he and his wife are expecting their first child in the month of February.
