FORMER Mount Gambier motocross rider Kirk Gibbs has claimed his first overall win in the CDR Yamaha team colours and for the 2019 Australian Motocross Championships.
After battling extreme conditions and bad luck in the previous two rounds, Gibbs stepped up in round three of the series on Sunday to secure the overall honours at Broadford in Victoria.
He overcame a virus and tough competition to finish with a 2-2-1 result and tie with Husqvarna’s Todd Waters on 67 points.
However, Gibbs stole the round honours on a count-back, as he finished stronger in the final moto.
The round marked the first weekend of the sprint format in the MX1 class, which saw riders compete in two nine-lap races back-to-back, before a more traditional 30-minute moto later in the day.
Consistency was key in the three-moto event and Gibbs was just that, putting his YZ450F near the front of the pack in every race.
Gibbs was pleased with the results, which sees him remain third in the championship standings, but with just nine points separating the top four riders.
“The weekend was much better for me and it’s nice to finally get a win under my belt for the CDR Yamaha team,” Gibbs said.
“It was also good to have a dry round and actually get a gauge of how things are progressing and what our strengths and weaknesses are.
“The first two rounds were extremely wet and difficult to get a handle on the opposition as well as our own riding.
“I’m really pleased to get the win and get my season back on track.”
To add to Sunday’s success, Yamaha teammate Luke Clout finished third for the round, which sees him hold onto second place in the championship, two points clear of Gibbs.
KTM’s Hayden Mellross finished fourth on Sunday to hold onto the top spot, but Gibbs will be eager to move up the ranks when he heads to his favourite track of the season, Murray Bridge.
The results from the South Australian track will weigh heavily on the championship standings, as the double-header weekend sees two point-scoring rounds on the Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5.
