Image: Foremost Media.

A roll-off malfunction in the opening moto yesterday at Murray Bridge’s fifth round of the Pirelli MX Nationals severely hindered KTM Motocross Racing Team’s Kirk Gibbs as he endeavoured to claw his way back into the winners-circle in front of a home South Australian crowd.

Gibbs latched onto leaders Luke Clout (KTM Motocross Racing Team) and Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team), engaging in the battle for the number one spot before being forced to ditch his goggles, and as a result, relinquished third to Brett Metcalfe (Penrite Honda Racing).

In a spirited effort, the former champion capitalised on a mistake from fellow South Australian Metcalfe to regain the position on the final lap, but the damage was already done and he would be forced to recover from the rocks and dirt that impacted his vision between motos.

“In the opening race I came out of the turn in fourth or fifth, made some passes and slotted into third,” Gibbs explained. “I copped a lot of roost getting there and I ended up having some goggle issues, so I was forced to pull them off. I got nailed pretty hard after that and it was pretty much survival mode.”

It’s the second-consecutive year that Murray Bridge’s loamy surface has played havoc with roll-off systems, with many riders opting to toss the units following a number of malfunctions.

In the first half of the MX Nationals, each of the four venues have elected to not obtain the roll-off exemption that was put in place last year following Murray Bridge after riders raised concerns over the unreliable systems.

After bouncing back for third in race two, crediting him second overall, Gibbs now sits second in the championship standings as the series heads into an extended break.