Kirk Gibbs and Todd Waters will make their first trip to the annual King of the Cross in Western Australia this weekend. Image: Simon Makker/Makkreative.com.

Motorex KTM’s MX1 combatants Todd Waters and Kirk Gibbs will be amongst a host of national-level racers vying for the iconic ‘King of the Cross’ title in Western Australia this Sunday.

In an off weekend between Monster Energy MX Nationals rounds, Waters and Gibbs will join a lineup of up to 500 riders tackling the unique event which takes place on a rare hard-pack motocross track at the Richie Kings Memorial Park in Southern Cross, around 360 kilometres east of Perth.

Waters and Gibbs are both making their first starts at the event, and are hopeful of coming away with top results against the likes of defending champion, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Jay Marmont, Team Zero Seven Motorsport’s Cody Mackie, and more.

“It’ll be a first-timer for me but I’m sure it will be another top race in WA and I’ll be looking forward to it,” said Waters.

“I always love going to WA to race – it’s a nice place with nice people who don’t get to see a lot of the pro riders, so they’re always super excited to see you and the crowds are always good. It’s going to be an exciting weekend.”

Like his teammate, Gibbs has no first-hand experience to draw upon but has a solid picture of the challenge that the surface will provide.

“This will be my first time to the event so I don’t know too much about it, but I’ve heard good things,” said Gibbs. “I’m expecting a harder track with a little bit of loam, and it should be a good race.

“Todd’s going over and a few others and I’m sure the locals will know the track well and be fast there too. I know we’ll have some good battles and I hope do well.”

Pro riders and locals will mix it in the various categories, with entrants battling for a share of $45,000 in prize money, including a $10,000 winner’s purse.