KTM’S KIRK GIBBS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Thirteen years ago, KTM threw Kirk Gibbs a lifeline when few others would. In the wake of a devastating crash in 2012 that nearly ended his career and his life, it was the Austrian brand that backed his return. That belief paid off well and truly in full, as Gibbs went on to claim a dominant MX1 title in 2015. Now, in a rather fitting form, Gibbs will call time on his decorated racing career at the close of the 2025 ProMX season this weekend – wearing that same shade of orange.

Read the full KTM press release below…

Following a storied career that has spanned over two decades at the pinnacle of the Australian Motocross Championship, KTM Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs has announced his decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2025 ProMX season, drawing a close to an exceptional career that was highlighted with a national MX1 crown.

South Australian-born Gibbs has been part of the KTM Racing Team on three occasions, with his initial tenure commencing in 2013 – which coincided with his premier class debut following a decorated MX2 career prior to that – and lasting six seasons until the end of 2018.

Gibbs and KTM clinched the 2015 Australian MX1 Championship during that initial successful period together, which would later see the pair reunite ahead of the 2022 season. Their relationship continued into the following year when he finished P3 in the standings, before a brief hiatus the year after – still within the KTM Group – led to a reunion once more for 2025. 

The 36-year-old Gibbs, who now calls the Sunshine Coast home ahead of his final ProMX appearance at Queensland Moto Park this weekend, is currently positioned sixth in the MX1 standings with one round remaining. As a rider who embodies perseverance and unwavering dedication, he serves as an example of never giving up in the pursuit of achieving goals.

KTM Australia would like to express its sincere thanks to Kirk for his professionalism, commitment, and longstanding passion over many years, and wishes him the very best in the future.

Kirk Gibbs: 
“It feels like an eternity since I joined professional racing, although at the same time being so focused on one goal year after year makes it also feel shorter in a way. Saying that it’s been 20 years of professional racing is crazy to me, but I’m so grateful and thankful to have had the career that I have had. I was a bit of a late bloomer as a junior, so it was hard to imagine this transitioning into a full-time career at the time – then to have won the 2015 MX1 title and represent Australia at the Motocross of Nations (MXoN) twice is pretty special. Being part of the KTM Racing Team for most of my 450 career has been awesome, and really, it has just felt like home. We clicked from the get-go, and then to win the championship in ’15 – we were just in the sweet spot. Everything came easily to me and, together as a team, we had so much confidence – they were definitely my glory years. I can’t thank everyone enough because, like I said, I’m really grateful and fortunate for the career I have had, and I’m looking forward to putting my best foot forward at QMP this weekend, as well as absorbing the moment.”

Kyle Blunden – KTM Group Australia Motorsport Manager: 
“Kirk has been an integral part of the KTM Racing Team’s history and success. His 2015 MX1 Championship was a defining moment for both of us, where I was lucky enough to be his mechanic that season, and to now help celebrate the close of his incredible career is truly special. Kirk has always embodied what it means to be a professional and has truly set the bar when it comes to his loyalty, dedication, and competitive spirit. We’re proud to have been a part of his journey, and he’ll forever be a champion in the KTM family. I wish him nothing but success and happiness as he moves into the next chapter of his life.”

Read Kirk Gibbs: Reanimated from issue 32 of Transmoto’s Dirt Bike magazine: