Exclusive: Kirk Gibbs Interview

KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs had to overcome a black eye and fight the roost of the Murray Bridge track to secure his first MX1 Overall over the weekend. Transmoto‘s Johnny Bonnar speaks with the SA local to discuss his breakthrough win at what is his home-round of the MX Nationals.

G’day, mate. You ended up winning the Overall at Murray Bridge over the weekend – how did it feel?

Yeah, for sure. It was a good weekend. The first race wasn’t the greatest because I didn’t get the best start and ended up eating a lot of roost. I pulled away all of my tear-offs early in the moto and ended up throwing my goggles, then I copped a big clump of roost or a rock while chasing Billy Mackenzie, which gave me a black eye.

How much of an impact did getting hit in the eye have on you?

Massive. It was really tough, definitely one of the most difficult races I have done this year. Anytime I tried to get close I would just get covered in roost so I had to slow down for a couple of laps.

I understand this is your first MX1 Overall?

Yeah it was pretty awesome, that’s what we want to keep doing.

You ended up tied for the Overall at the Wonthaggi, too, but you missed out on the top step via the countback. How do you bounce back from a disappointment like that?

Yeah, I felt like I probably should have got that one. I felt like I rode really well but I don’t think it affected me at all. It was pretty crazy for all three of us (Adam Monea and Matt Moss) to end up on 60 points at the end of the weekend, but both of those boys rode very well. It’s not really a big deal, you just have to get on with the job.

You have established yourself in that top group of title contenders. What is your game plan to keep beating the likes of the Moss brothers, Monea and Mackenzie?

I just want to keep being consistent. I have been on the box every round and I don’t want to stop that. I think we just need to keep doing what we are doing week-in-week-out and stay healthy. Getting good starts will be important because all of us are riding so well.

Last year you had Todd Waters under the tent with you, and this year with Ford Dale out with injury, you are essentially the number one rider for the KTM Motocross Racing Team. Do you feel the added pressure?

Not really, Ford Dale will be back for the second half of the season. It’s just the team environment and I have been doing pretty good. I put a lot of pressure on myself; it’s not the team, its just me putting it on myself. The team helps me out in every aspect.

Cheers for your time, Kirk. Good luck for the next round.

Thanks, mate.