Image: MXN.

KTM Motocross Racing Team’s reigning Motul MX Nationals MX1 champion Kirk Gibbs will race through the pain of a damaged anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the final four rounds of the 2016 season.

Gibbs sustained the injury during practice at Nowra, but managed to salvage third on the podium and retain his title lead on the day, however medical scans have since confirmed the extent of his knee injury.

“I didn’t even get a qualifying lap in, went back to the mechanics area and thought that was it,” Gibbs told MotoOnline.com.au. “I was in a lot of pain and I thought ‘man, I’m done’, but then it started to disappear. I got checked out and they didn’t think it was too bad, so I strapped up and did the best I could.

“I went in on Monday, got a scan, and then went to see the doctor on Tuesday. There is a bit of damage there, but nothing too concerning. I’m letting it heal up at the moment, hopefully everything heals up and we can keep on moving forward.

“It will need surgery eventually, but it’s a matter of when. It could be two or three months time, or could be three or four years. I just have to see how it feels in the next few weeks, obviously if it’s giving me a lot of pain it will be something I’ll have to look at sooner, rather than later. If it’s not giving me grief I will just keep pushing through.”

With six rounds of 10 in the books, Gibbs currently has a 15-point lead over returning international Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha) and a further six in front of Todd Waters (Wilson Coolair Motul Suzuki) entering Conondale, Queensland, this Sunday.