Kirk Gibbs’ pre-season campaign has kicked off with the New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville, scoring a podium finish while on debut with Altherm JCR Yamaha.

The Pirelli MX Nationals regular, who’s signed with CDR Yamaha Monster Energy this season, is currently in New Zealand to defend his national title with the Josh Coppins-operated outfit, taking to the Woodville circuit at the weekend for his first hit out of the year.

The South Australian lodged a pair of second place finishes, granting him second overall behind local favourite Cody Cooper (Honda Racing), as Cohen Chase (Eni Kawasaki Race Team) rounded out the podium.

“It’s great to get a race under my belt and some starts behind the gate,” Gibbs explained. “Being my first race in a long time, on a new bike and team, I feel like everything is coming together really well. I’m happy with my speed and fitness so far and will only get better as I get more racing done.

“The aim is to win. Cody Cooper is such a great rider and knows how to win but I think I am in a good spot to do battle with him. It will be a battle every round because I know he wants that number one plate back over here and I don’t want to let it go.”

Hamish Harwood (CML Motorex KTM Team) took out top honours in the MX2 category ahead of Australian champion Wilson Todd (DPH Motorsport Husqvarna) – the duo each scoring a race win – as Maximus Purvis (Altherm JCR Yamaha) completed the top three. The New Zealand MX Nationals fires into action this weekend at Taranaki.