Image: Jeff Crow.

Australian motocross number two Kirk Gibbs will remain with the KTM Motocross Racing Team in 2015, KTM Australia has confirmed.

After climbing into a national ranking of fifth on the back half of his rookie season, Gibbs used this year’s MX Nationals championship to establish himself as a top contender in Australian motocross, with numerous race wins, three overall round wins and the 2014 runner-up position.

“This means a lot to me. Since I joined the KTM team, I’ve had nothing but such a good time,” Gibbs said. “I really enjoy going to races and there was a phase there before KTM, where I didn’t enjoy it that much.

“It started off with Todd [Waters] as my teammate, and then this year Ford [Dale]; two great guys that I really like. We’ll see what happens next year, teammate-wise, but it’s awesome to be a part of the KTM team again next year. I definitely think ours is the best thing out there in the pit and I’m really excited to be a part of it again for another year.”

Gibbs’ contract with KTM incorporates all 2015 motocross and supercross commitments, with the team also keen to utilise the KTM factory’s various means to involve Gibbs in Grand Prix-level international racing.

“My vision for Kirk always was a long-term vision,” explained team manager Rob Twyerould. “He’s just got stronger and stronger each year and after analysing his performance this year, I’m sure he’s going to be an absolute contender for the title next year.

“He is one of the fittest and most determined guys out there and not only that, he is just a fantastic guy that works in really well with the group that we have on the team. I think we all enjoy working together and that’s a really big thing, that harmony, and him and his whole family fit into the program very, very well.

“We’d like to try to give him the opportunity to have a race overseas, which he missed out on this year because it just didn’t fit in the schedule. But like usual we’ll kick off in New Zealand, and do the Aussie motocross and supercross and see if we can fit in a GP visit for him.”