A CONSISTENT weekend landed former Mount Gambier motocross rider Kirk Gibbs an overall podium finish at Round 1 of the New Zealand Motocross Nationals at Taranaki Motorcycle Club on Sunday.
The 28-year-old finished four, three, two in the three motos aboard his KTM 450 SX-F, which handed him third overall.
Gibbs qualified first with a lap time of 1.53.597, but could not bring that same momentum into his first moto.
It was a matter of damage control with Gibbs hole-shotting 14th.
He was able to find speed in areas of the track to make passes consistently to reach fourth place by the chequered flag.
It was a similar story in the second moto.
Gibbs was 13th out of the gate, but powered his way through the 11-lap event to finish third.
Eighth position off the start in the third moto was an improvement for the KTM rider.
He was able to work his way through the pack and up into second by lap four where he held the position until the chequered flag.
Gibbs shared his thoughts on the weekend of racing on Instagram.
“A lot of positives on the weekend at Round 1 of NZ Nationals,” he said.
“Speed and fitness is great already, just my start let me down.
“Four-three-two for third overall.
“I will get better for Round 2.”
Round 2 will take place at Rotorua Motorcycle Club on February 25.
