Kawasaki's Whibley Tops Off Championship Season with Perfect OMA Record

Irvine, Calif. - Kawasaki's Paul Whibley concluded his impressive off-road season with a win at the final round of the OMA National Series in Morrison, Ill., completing his quest for a perfect season aboard his Kawasaki KX(tm)450F. Teammates Scott Watkins and Jimmy Jarrett clinched second and third, respectively, in the series points to make it a sweep of the top three overall spots for the JG Off-Road/GEICO Powersports/ Monster Energy Kawasaki team.

Challenging Final Race
The last round of the OMA Series was a true test of the rider's abilities with two 35-mile loops of fresh cut trails in Illinois. Whibley came into the race wanting to win and before the first loop was complete, he had taken back the lead and was able to finish the day out front.

"I got the holeshot and led part of the first pro section, but I missed some arrows and was trying to figure out the tight course," said Whibley. "It was a little difficult the first lap trying to go fast through fresh woods. The track was pretty tough on the second lap, but I was able to pull a pretty good gap on Jimmy (Jarrett) and finish with the win."

10 For 10
Whibley's win capped off a perfect season in the OMA National Series and a great overall season of off-road racing.

"Going for a perfect season wasn't something I was thinking about at the beginning of the year," said Whibley. "I knew Jimmy was going to be hungry to win the championship back from me, but as the season wore on, I realized that it was something that could be achieved. It feels great."

Coming Back
Jarrett's return to racing has been a process as his wrist continues to get stronger each race, although it still isn't 100 percent. The progress he's made has been better than anticipated and his second place in Illinois is proof.

"This is one of my favorite races on the circuit," said Jarrett. "I got a decent start and was riding with Paul (Whibley) most of the first lap, but I got stuck twice before the pit stop and he pulled about a three minute gap on me. I was able to get it down to about a minute and a half. I didn't expect to pull off third overall after breaking my wrist. I know the team was happy to have us take the top three spots and considering my luck this year, it was good to finish third."

A New Experience
For Watkins, the OMA National Series has been a brand new experience for the veteran off-road racer. He was able to excel early and finished the year behind his teammate in second overall. The two loop race in Illinois was also a new experience for Watkins who finished fourth for the day through the tough terrain.

"I've never done this style of racing before," said Watkins. "It was interesting. We were really trying to learn the terrain the first loop, which took us two hours. It was really fun, but you definitely had to pick and choose your lines. On the second lap, the track was a lot more tore up from the other classes that rode behind us, which made it tricky. I definitely want to come back and race the series next year. It was a whole new challenge for me and I enjoyed it."

One, Two, Three
With a good result from Jarrett at the final race, the team wrapped up a one, two, three sweep in the championship standings.

"It's really great to see the team do well," said Whibley. "The Kawasaki KX450F was a great bike all year and I think our results have proven that it is a winner."

Results
OMA Nationals
Morrison, Ill.
November 1, 2009

Pro Class Results
1. PAUL WHIBLEY, KAWASAKI
2. JIMMY JARRETT, KAWASAKI
3. Nick Fahringer, Husaberg
4. SCOTT WATKINS, KAWASAKI
5. Jason Thomas, Yamaha