GIBBS DOMINATES ROUND ONE
Queensland’s Kirk Gibbs, the 2014 Australian motocross No.2, roared to victory at Horsham’s opening round of the 2015 Australian Motocross Championships yesterday, sweeping the premier MX1 ranks and convincingly claiming the round overall.
KTM rider Gibbs was untouchable at the Victorian venue, going 1-1 for the overall ahead of Kade Mosig (CDR Yamaha), who posted 3-2 finishes in a strong outdoor debut ride for the team.
Completing the podium in his comeback to Australia was Gibbs’ new KTM team-mate Luke Styke, charging to second in moto two and fifth in the second leg to secure the third podium step.
While Gibbs was celebrating, Motul Suzuki’s defending MX1 champion Matt Moss was a notable absentee from the front of the pack, twice finishing 14th and finishing13th overall for the day in a shocking upset for Team Factory Suzuki.
The two Kiwi riders in the class, Mount Maunganui’s New Zealand MX1 champion Cody Cooper (Penrite Honda) and Rotorua’s New Zealand MX1 No.3 John Phillips (Kawasaki) finished fifth and 22nd overall respectively.
Gibbs was thrilled with his first-up wins.
“My preparation this year has been awesome, we all went over to race in New Zealand for the pre-season and it’s really paid off – I really owe it all to KTM,” he said.
“I had a lot of confidence coming into this round so I’m really happy to take the win.
“A few years ago I didn’t really know where I was going with my career and Rob Twyerould took me on – I can’t thank him enough for that.
“My pa passed away a couple of weeks ago and I know he told my dad that he wanted me to win so this win today is for him.”
Meanwhile, in the 250cc class, Serco Yamaha’s Jed Beaton crossed the line for his first overall win.
After an impressive third place in moto one, and a race win in moto two, it was no surprise to see Beaton on the top of the podium in his debut MX2 outing.
Despite Beaton’s glory, a ten second penalty in moto two saw team-mate and defending class champion Luke Clout forced to settle for second overall, while Kawasaki mounted Takeshi Katsuya finished the day in third place.
The two New Zealand riders in the MX2 class, Mount Maunganui’s Rhys Carter (Suzuki) and Nelson’s Hamish Harwood (KTM), finished the day 11th and 13th overall respectively.
Beaton was over the moon with his first win for 2015, dedicating his ride to injured brother Ross Beaton and his brand new Serco Yamaha Team.
“Today was a good day. I had a bad start in that first one and made a couple of mistakes, but I managed to sort myself out and I’m over the moon to be on the podium,” he said.
“I have been working really hard so I’m not completely shocked by my result, but it’s definitely nice to get this one for the team at round one.
“I can’t thank my team and also my brother Ross enough. Ross is always out on the pit board and pushing me with my riding so I did this for him today.”
© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com
Find BikesportNZ.com on FACEBOOK here
Round one – Horsham, Victoria
MX1 overall results
- Kirk Gibbs 70
- Kade Mosig 62
- Luke Styke 58
- Lawson Bopping 56
- Cody Cooper 55
- Adam Monea 49
- Dylan Long 47
- Ford Dale 45
- Cheyne Boyd 40
- Jesse Dobson 40
- Kale Makeham 40
- Daniel McEntee 35
- Matt Moss 34
- Aaron Tanti 32
- Nick Murray 30
- Daniel McCoy 29
- Darcy Jones 27
- Daniel Reardon 26
- Daniel Banks 24
- Tyson Whillas 23
MX1 championship standings
- Kirk Gibbs 74
- Kade Mosig 64
- Lawson Bopping 59
- Luke Styke 58
- Cody Cooper 55
- Ford Dale 50
- Adam Monea 49
- Dylan Long 47
- Cheyne Boyd 40
- Kale Makeham 40
- Jesse Dobson 40
- Daniel McEntee 35
- Matt Moss 34
- Aaron Tanti 32
- Nick Murray 30
- Daniel McCoy 29
- Darcy Jones 27
- Daniel Reardon 27
- Daniel Banks 24
- Tyson Whillas 23
MX2 Round overall and Championship points
- Jed Beaton 65 points
- Luke Clout 63
- Takeshi Katsuya 62
- Jay Wilson 60
- Nathan Crawford 51
- Wade Hunter 46
- Dylan Wills 46
- Caleb Ward 45
- Luke Arbon 44
- Riley Graham 44
MX Development (Under-19) overall results:
- Jordan Hill 35
- Dylan Wilson 32
- Jayden Rykers 30
- Wilson Todd 28
- Wayde Carter26
- Trent Wheatley 25
- Toby Stevens 24
- Jonte Reynders 23
- Bailey Coxon 22
- Connor Tierney 21
- Jesse Madden 20
- Lachlan Holroyd 19
- Ryan Shadbolt 18
- Jamie Harvey 17
- Zak Small 16
- Tyler Bullen 15
- Kaleb Barham 14
- Levi McManus 13
- Lachlan Davis 12
- Travis Silk 11