Image: Supplied.

Kirk Gibbs made a strong return to racing at Woodville’s New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix, finishing up on the podium in his first race since August last year.

Gibbs, who races on a motocross-only contract with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy in Australia, contested the Kiwi event with Altherm JCR Yamaha in the lead up to the 2020 New Zealand MX Nationals.

The South Australian recorded 2-2-1 for runner-up honours, finishing second to Hamish Harwood (KTM) as Ethan Martens (Kawasaki) locked out the podium.

“In the first moto, I didn’t get off the line very well at all and had to come from pretty much dead last,” Gibbs explained. “I actually felt really comfortable on the bike, made some good progress on the leaders and then got into second. Then I got right onto the back of first for the last lap but just ran out of time.

“I got into second [in race two], then just as I got into the lead Hamish Harwood passed me. He could turn off a few things a little bit better than me until the track started to dry out towards the end of the race, and then I got right back on him but couldn’t pass

“I sat there for a little bit but started to inch up. He made a little mistake down the back and I got through and rode it home for a win [in the final moto]. All in all, I felt very good and felt good on the bike. My starts can definitely be better and I’ve got to work on those this week and then I’ll come out swinging for round one.”

The MX2 category saw Maximus Purvis (Altherm JCR Yamaha) secure victory over Josiah Natzske (Kawasaki) and Dylan Walsh (Ben Townley Tours/Altherm JCR Yamaha).