Image: Wilkinson Photography.

KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs believes he’s in the same form leading into the 2018 Pirelli MX Nationals that saw him crowned as the Australian champion in 2015.

Gibbs, who’s entered the last two seasons coming off serious leg injuries, recently earned the New Zealand MX Nationals MX1 championship, injecting a boost of confidence in his a bid of a second premier class title.

Embarking on his sixth season with the factory outfit, it’s evident the South Australian native is prepared to dethrone rival Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team) after he dominated the category in 2017.

“It’s definitely vital to start the season off well,” said Gibbs. “The depth of the field is really good at the moment, but in saying that, I’m coming off the championship win in New Zealand – I’m feeling so much more confident in myself and the bike, there’s just much more going for me than what we had against us last year.

“I’m definitely not short of confidence coming into the first round, I’m definitely in the right place – when you feel good and the mind is right, things should be reasonably good. This is the best I’ve felt since 2015.”

This weekend’s highly-anticipated opening round of the MX Nationals is set to be hosted in Newry, Victoria, marking the commencement of an exciting 10-round series.