MX Nats: Ferris vs Waters vs Gibbs

Earlier this year, just prior to the 2016 MX Nationals season opener, we published a landmark feature article about the longstanding fierce rivalry between Dean Ferris and Todd Waters – two Aussie riders who’d just returned from the MXGP circuit in Europe, only to resume their hostilities on Australian soil. Sure enough, as we head into the final two back-to-back rounds of the 2016 MX Nats, just 7 points now separate the two in the series’ standings. And with neither rider ever managing to win a premier-class MX title in Oz, you can be assured sparks will fly at the Toowoomba and Coolum rounds. Do yourself a favour and read this free-to-view article, where both riders offer a brutally honest account of their run-ins over the years, and the fascinating evolution of their relationship from hatred to respect.

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“These days, the Ferris-Waters relationship is eccentric, but there’s no hate. A little guardedness, the bond of common experience, plenty of respect, maybe even a degree of honest affection, but no hate.”

Just as captivating is the back-story of the reigning MX1-class champion, Kirk Gibbs, who currently sits atop the MX Nats’ points standings, just 9 and 16 points ahead of Ferris and Waters, respectively. Can Gibbsy clinch his second consecutive premier-class title at the track that very nearly killed him in 2012? When you read about the graphic nature of his injuries in 2012, how close he was to walking away from the sport, and the unexpected career lifeline that came in the form of a lucrative offer from KTM, it’ll give you a real sense of this guy’s incredible journey back from the brink.

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“The ferocity of the impact silences spectators, and the body language of the first riders to approach the motionless Gibbs telegraphs their grave concern for his life. His helmet, body armour and neckbrace are all in tatters, and there’s blood everywhere.”

Oh yeah, it all adds up to a virtual guarantee of two tantalising weekends’ racing at the MX Nats. Get your teeth into it.