Woodville's Ben Exeter fought past Aucklander Callan May mid-lap and managed to keep sight of the fast-flying Whibley for at least the opening stage of the race.
"Ben wasn't too far behind so, with one lap in the books, I tried to up the pace and hide from the pack.
"A few spots began to cut up with some bikes getting stuck in one bog near the end of the lap and the creek crossing got deeper as the race progressed.
"After three laps I was in and out of the pits with Grant Christie lending [my wife] Katherine a hand to gas up. I had pulled clear of the chasing riders and was back on track before they came into sight.
"The creek crossing got pretty tough with bikes stuck in the ruts that climbed out the far bank and seeing a bike endo as it dropped in, a cautious approach was taken. Three more safe laps and the chequered flag came out.
"I take my hat off to the Bush Riders' club for stepping up their race presentation. Plenty of banners around the pits looked good and a podium celebration post-race with nice plaques for the top three finishers. "
Whibley will race just one more time in New Zealand - in the river race at the 52nd annual New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville this coming weekend - before he heads back to his base in South Carolina, on the east coast of the US.