Kirk Gibbs will take on some of supercross racing’s top talent this weekend. Image: Grant Reynolds/FiftySix Clix.

The Australian Supercross Championship will this weekend return to South Australia following a five-year hiatus.

Saturday, 12 October, will see Mount Gambier’s Borderline Speedway light up with Australian and international supercross talent.

Home-grown riders Motorex KTM’s Kirk Gibbs and Serco Yamaha’s Luke Arbon have returned to South Australia to prepare for the event that will see them take on some of the best riders from around the globe.

For Gibbs the event marks a return to his hometown, the 24-year-old was born in Millicent and grew up in Mount Gambier, honing his craft at the local motocross club.

Gibbs, who sits fifth in the coveted Pro Open class, is hoping a good showing in front of friends and family will elevate him in the championship standings.

“It is just awesome to have a round of the national supercross being run in my hometown of Mount Gambier,” Gibbs said. “It is something I never thought we would see.

“There are a lot of people who have supported me over the years, but haven’t seen me race before, so it will be is great they will be able to come and see me in action.

“I returned to South Australia straight after Darwin to prepare for this round. I narrowly missed the podium so I really want to get on the box at my local event but I know there will be quite a few riders hungry for a good result following the double-header.”

Arbon had little time to prepare for the Australian Supercross Championship, getting the call-up to the factory Yamaha team just four weeks before the season kicked off. The 21-year-old from Gawler is currently fifth in the championship.

In addition to the national Pro Open, Pro Lites, Under 19s and Ultra Lites classes the event will also feature the KTM Mini Masters where 20 of South Australia’s budding young racers aged between seven to nine will get the opportunity to demonstrate their emerging talent on the full-size supercross track.

The youngsters will get to walk the track and talk with their idols before cutting three laps of the circuit in front of a packed house.

“I think the KTM Mini Masters initiative is fantastic,” Gibbs added. “It is a fantastic experience for the kids and it gives them a glimpse of the big picture.

“There was nothing like that when I was coming through the ranks I really think they get a lot out of it.”

The third round of the Terex Australian Supercross Championship will be held at Mt Gambier’s Borderline Speedway on Saturday, 12 October.

Tickets are available for purchase at the gate. Gates open at 3:00pm with racing to commence at 6:30pm.