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Race Report: Round 5 GNCC Series, Tennesse
Rider: Paul Whibley
Team: Parts Unlimited, Moose, Honda
Bike: Honda CRF450X
Loretta Lynns Ranch was the venue for the latest GNCC.
The sun was out and temperatures were up. The track was fast and hard pack with a lot of rocks. It looked like it was going to be dusty too.
After a crash the week before at an OMA race I was out to salvage some points. I still had my stitches in my hip and my sprained foot was a little tender.
From the start I moved my way into the top 5 early in the lap, as a lot of guys went down on the slick and freshly watered grass track section. We then entered the woods and onto the rocks.
I tried to ride relaxed but being off the bike for over a week, in full recovery mode made things difficult. I think I was protecting my injuries a little as well and soon pumped up and began to lose positions.
By the fuel stop I was back to about 15th. I was not having much fun out there but was focussed on taking some points home. I made some time up by finding a few smooth lines and passed a couple of guys late in the race.
I also caught up to Hawk in the last half of the lap. He was just far enough in front where I had no chance to try for a pass. I ended up in 13th place.
With everything that has happened, I was happy to take the points but a little disappointed as I was hoping to be inside the top ten.
Thanks to the following sponsors for their support:
Moose,
Parts Unlimited,
Honda,
Pro Honda oils,
RG3,
WER,
EK chains,
Sunstar,
Pirelli,
Powersport Grafx,
Braking,
CTi,
Alpinestar,
Wiseco,
Thumper racing,
Cycra,
Smith,
Honda Riders Club America,
Tire Balls,
Tag,
IMS,
Motion Pro,
Moto SR,
Stringfellows
