However, that was not the result he was looking coming off a title-winning year in 2009.

Part of the problem was that Whibley spent the early part of last season trying to come to grips with new equipment. This year, he’s starting the year on a familiar bike and with a team he’s comfortable with: Randy Hawkin’s Am Pro/FMF/Yamaha squad. However, once again, Whibley got off to a slow start at this year’s GNCC series opener. After nailing down the holeshot, the Ax Man clipped a tree on the first lap and broke the radiator off his YZ450F. In typical Whibley fashion, he returned to the pits, made repairs and fought his way back to an eventual eighth place finish. The GNCC series is a long one – 13 rounds – and Whibley knows he’s far from out of the title chase.

Q: You have to be disappointed after grabbing the holeshot and getting off to such a good start.

A: Yeah, but it’s just one of those things that happens and I’m pleased with getting the holeshot. Mike Brown got by me after a few corners and the first part of the course was dusty and whooped out and there were some roots in the sandy powder and I just didn’t see them. I hit a root and got kicked off the course and just skimmed a tree with my elbow and the radiator. There was a bit of fluid coming out and I debated about trying to make a lap before going into the pits but then it started to really come out so I went straight to the pits and replaced it.

Q: We all know how valuable those points are in a long series such as this one.

A: Yeah, those might be the points we need to win the championship and it’s a long year. Anyway, this is the best finish I’ve had at this event in a while, so I’ve gotta keep that in mind. The bike worked perfectly, so we should be good going forward.

Q: Were you able to gauge your speed from this event?

A: Not really. I was so far back that I didn’t even see the top guys and I was basically stuck in traffic all day.

Q: A lot of riders dread the Florida round because it’s so rough. Is this race one you could do without?

A: I actually like this race, although I wouldn’t say I’m a sand specialist. I don’t think I’m very good in the sand but I enjoy racing in it. It’s tough and it’s challenging and that’s the side of it that I like.

Q: You finished off the 2010 season with a pair of wins. Does did that make you feel any better about the coming year?

A: Yes, I would like to think of it as momentum, but the reality is that it’s been a long time since those two wins and everyone’s pretty much starting out even. It’s a new year and everyone seems ready to go, but it’s a long season so we just have to get this bad luck out of the way and stay steady throughout the year.

Q: Last year, you started the season on an unfamiliar bike. This year, you come into the opener on more familiar equipment and a team you’ve worked with for a full year. Do you draw any confidence from that?

A: It’s a big help knowing what you’re coming back to. Signing with Randy and the Am Pro Yamaha team for last year was a good thing, but there was a lot more to learn with a new team and a new brand. I feel a lot more comfortable this year, as far as development and the feel of the bike, and I think I’m ahead of where I was at this time last year. I feel good on the bike and that’s a big confidence booster.

Q: You have The General GNCC in Georgia coming up. Is that a good course for you?

A: I’ve won at that track, so I would say it’s a good one for me. I just heard it’s raining up there so it will be muddy and I like riding the mud, so hopefully we can gain back some of those points.