Australian claims Kiwi motocross silverware in final showdown
Andy McGechan
In so many sporting codes there is a fierce love-hate relationship between Australians and New Zealanders, perhaps none more so than in motocross racing.
A 35-year drought for Australia was broken when Queenslander Kirk Gibbs won New Zealand's premier motocross crown, the MX1 title.
KTM Australia general manager Jeff Leisk won New Zealand's premier motocross crown on a Honda in his one and only Kiwi campaign, in 1983, and this year KTM rider Gibbs to become only the second Australian to capture the MX1 (or open class) motocross trophy this side of the Tasman and only the fourth Australian across all senior classes since CDR Yamaha Racing Team boss Craig Dack won the 250cc title in New Zealand (also then on a Honda) in 1986 and Jay Wilson (on a Yamaha) won the MX2 title in 2015.
Gibbs is no stranger to winning here having won major silverware on his previous visit in 2015, but this latest victory was more special.
When he arrived at the Taupo circuit for the final round of the 2018 New Zealand nationals a week ago, he was on top of the standings and six points clear of his nearest challenger, Kayne Lamont (Yamaha).
Gibbs knew he just needed to stay consistent to keep Lamont at bay at Taupo's final showdown. But it all went wrong for former national MX2 champion Lamont on Saturday, a succession of crashes ruining his fightback hopes.
Defending national MX1 champion Cody Cooper (Honda Racing Team), came on strongest at Taupo, winning the day and propelling himself up from third overall, to runner-up.
Gibbs “played it safe” and finished the day second overall at Taupo, his 1-3-3 score-card in the three MX1 races enough for him to secure the title.
Hamish Harwood (KTM) was the runaway winner in the MX2 (250cc) class,and Maximus Purvis took national 125cc class honours.