The Parts Unlimited Off-road Motorcycle and ATV (OMA) Nationals kicks off its eighth year of presenting some of the best long-distance, single-track woods racing with three new venues incorporated into the 10-round schedule. Round one will be the Hill Jack Cross-country National, presented by Johnny Signs Graphics, in Medora, Indiana, on April 17-18 (one of the new venues). After that, the OMA tour will run through October, visiting eight states, with the world-famous Moose Run in Illinois on October 16-17 the finale.

Foremost on everyone’s mind, of course, is the question: Can Paul Whibley come anywhere close to his incredible 2009 perfect season and pull off a three-peat?

While even Whibley himself concedes it’s going to be a tall order to win all 10 rounds, he’ll likely be even more motivated than last year. Riding for the Am-Pro Yamaha team (his third different team in three years), he’s had bad luck at the first rounds of the GNCCs, where he’s also the defending champion, leaving just one series to assert himself: the OMAs.

But he’ll also face a larger and hungrier cast of competitors eager to dethrone him, starting with his two former JG Off-road/GEICO Powersports/Monster Energy Kawasaki teammates, Jimmy Jarrett and Scott Watkins. Jarrrett, of course, is the winningest racer in OMA history with four consecutive championships (2004-2007), and a wrist injury last season helped slow him to “only” third in the series. Watkins burst onto the series for the first time last year and learned the ropes quickly to earn the number two plate. They’ll be joined on the starting line by a number of others, of course, guys with solid credentials like Whibley’s new teammate Thad Duvall periodically, Husaberg’s Nick Fahringer, possibly Husqvarna’s Glen Kearney, FMF/KTM Factory Off-road Race Team’s Kailub Russell at times and others vying for a piece of the $20,000 series purse.

The Pros will appreciate the OMA’s new format which will have C riders, Super Seniors and Women competing on Sunday mornings while the Pros, A’s and Bs will square off on Sunday afternoons for two hours plus a lap. ATVs will still race on Saturday on a largely separate course to accommodate their greater width, and late Saturday afternoon will still feature the fun motorcycle race. And all will be scored utilizing the new transponder system (utilizing credit card-sized sending units) tested recently during the OMA Winter Nationals. It provides instant feedback for racers at the end of each lap, information also displayed on a large monitor for spectators.

There will again be plenty of swag for racers to shoot for, thanks to both new and returning sponsors like Maxxis, FMF Racing, K&N Filters, Race Tech, RK Chain/Excel and Dirt Tricks. Manufacturers offering contingency awards include Can-Am (ATV racers only), Kawasaki, KTM and Yamaha. FMF, Maxxis, Rekluse and other vital sponsors will also provide trackside support at selected rounds. In addition to its amateur contingency program, K&N Filters plans to provide cash holeshot awards for the Pro ATVs as well as the Pro motorcycles.

For more information, visit www.omanationals.com.

Parts Unlimited OMA Nationals
Round 1: April 17-18 Medora, Indiana
Round 2: May 1-2 Hanging Limb, Tennessee
Round 3: May 29-30 Rio Grande, Ohio
Round 4: June 12-13 Clay City, Kentucky
Round 5: July 10-11 Mesick, Michigan
Round 6: July 31-August 1 Millville, Minnesota
Round 7: August 14-15 Newark, Missouri
Round 8: August 28-29 Bedford, Indiana
Round 9: September 18-19 Memphis, Missouri
Round 10: October 16-17 Fenton, Illinois

“I fly down to [Florida] on Tuesday (July 21) and [Dr. Augustine's] going to fix me all up,” Jarrett said. “He said at least six weeks [to recover from the surgery]; he’s hoping that I’m back for the next GNCC on September 12, but we’ll cross that bridge when I get there.”

If Jarrett is indeed ready by the time the GNCC summer break ends, he will still miss three OMA rounds and most likely the ISDE in October, since a commitment to ride on the ISDE team must be made soon.

So who are the likely candidates to replace Jarrett on the U.S. ISDE Trophy team if need be? There are many, but Damon Huffman’s name has been mentioned, as well as Mike Brown’s

“In 2008, Team USA had its best performance at the ISDE in years, and it was only appropriate to reunite the riders who brought us so close to victory,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Manager Chuck Weir. “We are reloaded. We are ready. We are looking forward to showing the best off-roaders in the world that Team USA is not just a threat to place, but a threat to win at this storied international competition.”

Returning to represent the U.S. Trophy team for the third time is Team Captain Caselli. The 25-year-old Caselli, who races the Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) Series for Shock Doctor/KTM, battled for the overall lead at the 2008 ISDE before crashing out on day three. In 2007, Caselli also led a significant portion of the event en route to winning the E3 class. In 2006, Caselli was a member of the championship Junior Trophy Team.

“We’re going with the same team we had last year, and we’re just as motivated and excited to ride this year’s ISDE and just as motivated to win,” said Caselli, who likely will ride a KTM 300XC in the E3 class. “We like the location this year. Portugal is dry, rocky and dusty — kind of like what we have out west, where the majority of our team is from.”

Caselli said the team is confident for the ‘09 event.

“As long as we stay healthy and the bikes hold together, I really like our chances of getting on the podium this year,” Caselli said. “It’s not going to be easy, though. I know Finland is going to have a strong team. The Europeans bring a lot of talent. It’s not going to be any easier than it has in the past, but I think we have a good shot.”

Another Team USA veteran will be Abbott, who is contesting the AMA Racing National Hare & Hound Championship Series and the World Off-Road Championship Series (WORCS) for Monster Energy Kawasaki. The 36-year-old five-time AMA National Hare & Hound Champion is a three-time ISDE Gold Medalist and will represent the U.S. on the Trophy Team for the fifth time. Last year, Abbott finished ninth in the E2 class.

“I was pretty excited to hear that we were bringing back all the same guys,” said Abbott, who will ride a KXF450, most likely in the E3 class. “I think the team’s better this year. It looks like we picked up more speed, we know we can do it, and we have the experience. From everything I see, the location is going to suit us West Coast guys, and Nate and Jimmy adapt well to whatever conditions the race presents.”

Abbott added that a real team environment surrounds the ISDE effort.

“We are all committed to doing what’s best for the team. It’s not an individual thing,” Abbott said. “We’re all about team, and that’s what you need to do when you race something like this. The manufacturers are behind it. Last year, we went in hoping for top five and we got third, and that was with Kurt getting hurt and some other guys having bike trouble. Now we know we can podium, and we believe we have a shot at first or second.”

Dietrich, 21, was the top-finishing American at the 2008 ISDE, where he took second to Spain’s Ivan Cervantes in both the overall and in the E1 class. Dietrich also joined Caselli on the championship 2006 Junior Trophy Team and currently races off-road events for Monster Energy Kawasaki. This will be Dietrich’s second time representing the U.S. on the Trophy Team and his third time representing the U.S. in the ISDE.

Jarrett, 32, also brings several years of experience to the team. Jarrett races the GNCC Series for GEICO Monster Kawasaki. This will be the Ohioan’s sixth year representing the U.S. on the Trophy Team. Jarrett finished 13th in the E2 class in 2008.

This will be second trip to the ISDE for the 31-year-old Woods, who races WORCS for Team FMF Suzuki and competes in the AMA Endurocross series. Woods finished 29th in the E2 class at last year’s ISDE.

Kanney, 26, is currently contesting the AMA GNCC Series for Shock Doctor/KTM. Kanney is an experienced ISDE and World Enduro Championship rider. Last year, he finished eighth in the E3 class.

The World Trophy Team is one of three premier teams that represent the U.S. at the ISDE. The Trophy Team features six riders who compete in all three displacement classes that contest the ISDE: the E1 class, which features 100cc to 125cc two-stroke and 175cc to 250cc four-stroke motorcycles; the E2 class, which features 175cc to 250cc two-stroke and 290cc to 450cc four-stroke motorcycles; and the E3 class, which features 290cc to 500cc two-stroke and 475cc to 650cc four-stroke motorcycles.

The other premier teams are the Junior Trophy Team, which fields four riders younger than 23 years old, competing in a minimum of two classes, and the Women’s Trophy Team, which fields three riders.

Also part of Team USA are members on various club teams made up of riders from all over the country. These teams are determined by qualifier events held this year on April 18-19 in Park Hills, Mo., and on May 30-31 in Idaho City, Idaho.

More information on the ISDE, Team USA and the ISDE qualifiers can be found in the Featured Series & Events section of www.amaracing.com.

For the whole story go to Cycle News Online.

(story & photos- Mark Kariya)

The Paul Whibley Express continued its roll across the American woods racing scene when the Team FMF/Suzuki Off-road competitor outsplashed everyone to win the Maxxis Coyote Cross-country National in Waukon, Iowa, round four of the Parts Unlimited Off-road Motorcycle and ATV Nationals. It marked his second straight series triumph and allowed him to stretch his lead over teammate Jimmy Jarrett, the four-time and defending series champion, 110 to 89. Jarrett once again played second fiddle to Whibley while Yamaha privateer Brian Garrahan made his second podium appearance of the series with his third-place finish.

Whibley got a good start on his RM-Z450, though he conceded the $200 Vemar Helmets Holeshot Award to YZ250-mounted Aaron Wegner. It didn’t take long, however, before Whibley was in front to stay.
Jarrett, in the meantime, followed Whibley around most everyone until he followed only Whibley. Unfortunately for Jarrett, this would not be his day, as he went down a few times on his RM-Z450 and could never get a solid run at his teammate.

For Garrahan, it was a day of give and take. After getting a good jump off the line on his YZ250F, he got bumped wide in the first turn by Jarrett and found it hard to keep up in the heavy mud of the wide-open grass track sections. “I couldn’t really hold her to the moon or it’d blow her up,” he said. Still, he was able to make up time in the woods, though promoter Bill Gusse had to shorten and ease up on course difficulty due to the torrential storms that had inundated the area with a reported nine and a half inches of rain over the previous 24 hours. Garrahan, ever the grinder, was the final rider to complete 10 laps, thus staying on the same lap as Whibley and Jarrett.

Enduro specialist Nick Fahringer claimed a best-to-date fourth on his Husaberg FE450e, citing the bike’s ability to shrug off deep water crossings as a key factor.

Also getting a best-to-date finish with his fifth was Storm Lake Honda.com’s Cooper Bailey. After getting one of his better starts only to have his CRF450R stall in the second turn, the teenager from Oklahoma battled his way back from last.

Despite the mud and another storm that drenched the area for the last half of the race, nearly everyone’s filthy faces beamed brightly as they pulled into the scoring station in a barn. “It’s funny when you have mud races like that, it seems like everyone’s more laid back,” Jarrett observed. “I don’t know what it is about it, but it turns into more a fun race and survival race than it is so serious. I think Paul and I both haven’t had such fun just going around swapping in the mud trying to roost each other.”

Whibley, of course, had the most fun—winners usually do. “I’ve had a pretty good run at some of these races, I guess,” he offered. “I’m more comfortable in this wet than the dust. I’m just going to keep putting together these good results and, hopefully, carry it through to the end of the season, but it’s a long way to go yet. I’m just kind of stoked the way things are going.”

The Top 10
1. Paul Whibley (Suzuki RM-Z450)
2. Jimmy Jarrett (Suzuki RM-Z450)
3. Brian Garrahan (Yamaha YZ250F)
4. Nick Fahringer (Husaberg FE450e)
5. Cooper Bailey (Honda CRF450R)
6. Aaron Wegner (Yamaha YZ250)
7. Zack Klamforth (Yamaha YZ250; 1st Open A)
8. Chuck Garetson (Suzuki RM250; 1st 30-39 A)
9. Keith Zaagman (Suzuki RM-Z250; 1st Lite A)
10. Dennis Stapleton (Yamaha YZ450F)

“As always, we are very proud to call these world-class riders part of Team USA for the ISDE effort,” said AMA Off-Road Racing Director Chuck Weir. “It not only takes a great deal of riding talent, but enormous dedication, to race the ISDE. These riders answered the call and stepped up. We look forward to supporting them in Greece this fall.”

The U.S. Women’s Trophy Team claimed the Women’s World Cup in Chile last year, and brings back two riders from that championship-winning effort for ‘08. Nicole Bradford and Amanda Mastin will be joined by ISDE rookie Maria Forsberg.

“I’m really excited about it,” Bradford said. “I’ve ridden with Amanda in three other Six Days, and having an opportunity to ride behind Maria at the last qualifier, I have no question that she will be a strong rider. We will have a great team.”

Bradford, who will be riding a KTM 250XCF at the ISDE, says the mantle of defending champions does create some additional pressure.

“This year, we will have to step it up to win,” she said. “Because it’s in Europe, more European countries will be able to field strong womens teams, and since we won the inaugural Women’s World Trophy, it inspires other countries to try to take that away. But we have three very strong riders. We used to go to the Six Days to finish. Now, we don’t go there just to finish. Now, we go there to be the best in the world.”

The U.S. Junior Trophy Team, which won the Junior Trophy Championship in 2006, fields four riders younger than 23-years old. Led by four-time ISDE veteran Team Captain David Kamo, the Junior Trophy Team also will include Joe Giordano, Joshua Morros and Ryan Lee Powell.

“I’m honored to be on the Junior Trophy Team. It means a lot to me to go against the best in the world,” said Kamo, who plans to ride a KTM 300XCW at the ISDE. “The best advice I can give our other riders would be that Six Days is a six-day race. You have to save your body. You have to save your bike. You can’t win it on day one.”

The most experienced U.S. ISDE rider of all-time, Jeff Fredette, returns for what he’s “pretty sure” will be his 10th trip with the U.S. Senior Team-and his 28th altogether. Fredette will be joined by Dennis Decker and Eric Jordan on the Senior Team.

“Every year seems about the same anymore, but I’m looking forward to riding in a new country, Greece, and from the sounds of it, it looks like they’re going to put on a pretty cool show,” said Fredette, who will ride a KLX450 at the ISDE this year. Fredette says he will tell the less-experienced riders to “be ready for anything and everything. The best tip is to listen to what everyone has to say, but take everything with a grain of salt because it may happen that way and it may not.”

These teams join the U.S. World Trophy Team, which will contest the ISDE World Trophy Team Championship. Announced in March earlier this year, the Trophy Team’s riders are Destry Abbott, Kurt Caselli, Ricky Dietrich, Jimmy Jarrett, Nathan Kanney and Nathan Woods.

While the Trophy Team, the Women’s Trophy Team, the Junior Trophy Team and the Senior Team are a critical piece of the U.S. effort, they are a small part of the entire U.S. contingent that makes the trek to the annual event. Dozens of club team riders will also represent the U.S. at the 2008 ISDE.

The following riders were selected as club team members: Annell Elaine Allen, William C. Burns, Dan Capparelli, Jim Conner, Mason Harrison, Fred Hoess, Kevin Hutchinson, Nolan Irwin, Kyle Kubitschek, Justin Lipana, Luke McNeil, Ben Smith, Rory Sullivan, Sean Sullivan, Dennis Sweeten, Lars Valin, Sean White, Chilly White.

Of course, the ISDE program couldn’t happen without a solid group of dedicated sponsors. Companies that are making Team USA a possibility in 2008 include Arai Helmets, Spectro Lubricants, Kenda Tires, Bob Lamphere’s Beaverton Honda Yamaha, MSR/Tucker Rocky, Mountain Glass and Fly Racing.

America’s motorcylists can help support Team USA, and looking good while doing it, by buying an official Team USA ISDE T-Shirt. All proceeds support the massive effort to transport the riders, bikes and crew to and from Greece. To buy a shirt, just visit www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Gear, then select Apparel.

For more information on the ISDE and Team USA, please see www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/amrace/2008/isde/