Image: MXN.

Current national number two Kirk Gibbs understands it will be vital to put a stop to defending champion Dean Ferris’ current perfect season in the 2017 Motul MX Nationals, with back-to-back rounds next on the agenda.

The 2015 title-winner Gibbs is the only rider to deny Ferris of a moto win – race one at Appin – this season and has constantly displayed the pace to put up a bigger fight at the front, however it’s the latter who has been piecing the puzzle together best so far.

Conondale got off to a shaky start for Gibbs yesterday when, after posting the quickest time in regular qualifying, he damaged the front wheel and brake of his 450 SX-F on his Super Pole lap when attempting the famous extension jump at Green Park. Still, he nursed it home to P3 and then went on to 2-2 moto results behind Ferris.

“It’s a good day to be on the box, but obviously a little bit frustrating,” Gibbs told MotoOnline.com.au. “It’s no good letting Dean get out front that early, because you could be the same pace, but you’re never going to track him down. He’s riding really well, but we’ll keep after it, work on those starts to get out front earlier and hopefully chase them wins.”

The plan for Gibbs at this point is to apply added pressure to Ferris in a bid to narrow his growing 31-point advantage in the points-race, however improved starts will be essential to do so. Track position is already proving to be critical in these early rounds and picking up an overall before the halfway point would be a significant boost for his title hopes.

“Dean’s on a roll at the moment and he’s won three in a row, so, sort of gotta break that streak and hopefully chip away at that points lead – it’s getting big,” continued Gibbs. “Hopefully we can try put some pressure on him, because he’s just sort of riding away with it at the moment. He puts himself in great position and I know that’s what I need to do. If I can do that, be there with him, I know that I can have great battles with him and make it a bit more even, to try and steal some wins off him.

“I know that I’ve got the speed. Even coming through the pack I can still match him and his lap-times, so it’s just putting it together. I know what I need to work on and it’s getting out of that gate, really. He seems to get to the front so quick and it’s something that’s not going to happen overnight, but we’ll work on it before the next couple of rounds. I like Horsham and Murray Bridge actually, always seem to do well there, so hopefully I chase a couple of good starts there and put it up front.”