Image: Foremost Media.

CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team’s Kirk Gibbs will return to competition in Rockhampton’s King of Capricorn event after breaking his wrist while training in July.

After winning the New Zealand championship with Altherm JCR Yamaha, Gibbs was injured in Queensland and spent an extended period off the bike, but is now fit to line-up this weekend.

“2020 has been a strange year for everyone and to think this will be my first race of the year when its usually the end of our season is odd,” Gibbs explained. “It was disappointing that the national season was delayed and then my injury prior to the state races starting just compounded my frustration.

“I have missed racing and am so keen to get back on track and get some racing in. It’s been hard work watching all the Queensland-based riders racing up here and not being a part of it, as we have been fortunate to keep racing when other states couldn’t.

“It’s great that Rockhampton have been able to organise this event and it’s given me something to work towards as I regain full speed and fitness. The $20K in prizemoney also means there is a bit on the line and things will be intense on the track, so I can’t wait.”

The King of Capricorn is taking place this weekend, 3-4 October, and includes a wide range of races catering for everyone from juniors through to professionals. The Six Mile circuit is a popular one with the riders and the local community, plus with $20,000 prize money on offer, it will also be one of the biggest events of the season domestically.

“We are happy to support Kirk at this event and will ensure he is in good hands,” said CDR Yamaha Monster Energy’s Craig Dack. “With the team based in Victoria, we are unable to attend due to the border restrictions, but we are desperate to do what we can to get our riders on track and races events like this where the state regulations allow.”