A FORMER Mount Gambier resident is celebrating this week after success at a motocross championship in New Zealand over the weekend.
The 29-year-old faced tough competition in the Motocross Championship MX1 450 Class but pushed through with support from fans.
Kirk Gibbs has achieved the ultimate feat after being the first Australian competitor to win the class in more than 30 years.
The factory rider had more than one reason to celebrate as it has also been 21 years since KTM has won the MX1 450 title.
Gibbs held the red plate coming into the fourth and final round of the motocross championship at Taupo and entered with determination to seal the deal against a strong field of riders.
Placing first in his opening race, followed by two thirds, handed him second overall and was enough to take the prestigious title on the other side of the ditch.
He started the day slow – qualifying fourth – 0.799 seconds behind 2017 MX1 champion Cody Cooper.
However, Gibbs proved his worth in the opening moto after hole-shotting second on board his KTM 450 SX-F, behind the reigning champion.
The former Mount Gambier rider powered his way past Cooper early in the race to a three-second victory, which started his championship campaign off well.
Gibbs finished ahead of Cooper and Kayne Lamont.
He managed yet another great start in the second moto and was out of the gates in second.
He battled with Todd Waters – who is now preparing for a season in the Pro Motocross Championships in America – in the opening few laps.
Waters managed to pass the KTM rider early, but Gibbs applied the pressure and remained on his rear fender.
Cooper rode from start to finish at the head of the field, while Waters greeted the chequered flag in second and Gibbs in third.
To sew up the championship Gibbs needed just 13th place in the third and final race of the day.
He powered out of the gate in fourth, behind Lamont, Cooper and Waters, but was elevated to third after Lamont came unstuck.
Lamont and Cooper were battling for second place overall in the championship.
However, Lamont’s DNF handed Cooper the honours – providing he remained upright for the full 10 laps.
Gibbs rode his own race, but was still well and truly on the pace, clocking the best lap time for the moto.
Despite his efforts, Gibbs finished third, behind Cooper and Waters.
His consistent results handed him second overall for the day and a 16 point championship victory.
Gibbs took to Instagram to share his excitement.
“2018 NZ MX1 champion,” he said.
“So pumped to get this championship, as anyone knows who races in NZ how gnarly it is to do.
“It’s been 21 years since KTM has won the 450 title and over 30 years since an Aussie has won a open NZ title.
“Thanks to everyone who made this possible.”
Gibbs’ race craft was impressive throughout Round 4, which ensured he remained within reach of the overall.
The some-what safe riding from Gibbs handed Cooper the overall Round 4 win, which also gave him second in the title race, while Waters took third at Taupo, but was not in contention for the championship due to competing in just two of the four rounds.
Gibbs now heads into a small break, but will aim to carry this momentum into the 2018 MX Nationals series in Australia, where he has finished runner-up the last two years.
Dean Ferris claimed the prestigious title in both 2016 and 2017 and will again be the rider to beat this season.
Gibbs went bar-to-bar with Ferris in the recent Mountain Man Motocross event at the Sunshine Coast Motorcycle Club in Queensland.
However, could not keep up with the back-to-back champion and was forced to settle for second overall.
The New Zealand Motocross MX1 title will give Gibbs some confidence entering into the Australian championship, which could make for interesting racing.
The Australian Motocross Championship kicks off on April 15 at Newry in Victoria.
